House captains of Macleans College took part in a special speaking skills course run by iSpeak Trust.
Speaking to an audience can be quite daunting for many people. The house captains of Macleans College know the importance of having this skill as they take on their roles as leaders of their school in 2023.
On January 27, as the students prepared themselves for their leadership roles, they took part in a special speaking skills course run by iSpeak Trust. This course is designed to help senior secondary students gain speaking skills and grow their confidence in public speaking. They learn to manage nerves and any fears they may have when speaking to a group of students or adults. They are supported to find their own voice.
The house captains met in Te Kanawa House and quickly found out how easy it was to speak in public if equipped with speaking skills and strategies. Led by Gaye Stratton, the group listened and participated in speech making for the morning. They were given feedback by their peers and facilitators. They all made visible improvements as the course progressed.
From impromptu speeches about unusual animals and interesting homes to live in, to presenting and polishing a prepared speech, the students all remarked on how their speaking confidence grew when they were well prepared.
iSpeak Trust is a charity. The course was funded by The ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation.
Feedback from students who completed a questionnaire after the course showed they all would recommend this course to fellow students.
There is no cost to the school for this course, it is available for all senior high school students.
For further information about iSpeak Trust and how it can help your senior students you can contact Gaye Stratton on 021 778810 or check out the website on ispeaktrust.com.
Pakuranga Citizens Advice Bureau manager Louise Boswell, left, and board chair Sue McKinnon. Times photo Chris Harrowell
Auckland Council’s ongoing effort to reduce debt may lead to cuts in the funding received by the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
The organisation provides a free service that helps people understand “what their rights are and how to access services they need”.
East Auckland is serviced by two bureaux in Pakuranga and Botany.
Mayor Wayne Brown has said he wants to significantly reduce council spending to plug a budget deficit of more than $250 million.
Written staff advice provided to Brown to support his proposed mayoral budget outlines a $20m cost reduction from 2023-2024 across a range of regional services.
Some or all of a range of activities are proposed to be “reduced, stopped or alternative funding sources found to a total of $20m”.
One of the five social activities listed is the Citizens Advice Bureau.
But Howick ward councillors Sharon Stewart and Maurice Williamson say the CAB provides an “incredibly valuable service”.
“Cutting their funding makes no sense when there are many much larger cost areas where spending has exploded and should be easy to rein-in and make meaningful savings.
“Both of us will insist any of the needed cuts come from the big wasteful spending line items and not from organisations that provide an amazingly valuable service to the community.”
A petition opposing the funding cuts has been signed by more than 3450 people as of February 13.
Louise Boswell manages the two local CABs, in Pakuranga and Botany, and Sue McKinnon chairs their board.
They’re both extremely concerned at the prospect of the service’s funding being cut or stopped altogether.
“We don’t seem to be deemed a vital service by council,” Boswell says. “That surprises me.”
She says about 400 people contacted the Pakuranga bureau for help in November last year and that’s roughly how many people it helped in each of the months prior.
In 2019, the 32 bureaux across Auckland had client interactions with more than 157,000 people.
Boswell says the two local bureaux have four paid staff and about 51 volunteers.
In the worst-case scenario, if they were to close, she expects clients would go to the library for help instead.
“They could go there to get a Justice of the Peace to sign a document.
“We host clinics here as well and we have counsellors and legal and immigration advisors.
“One of our top categories is ‘legal and Government’ and we’re dealing with people having problems with Government departments.
“Not one of those Government organisations funds us but we are constantly having inquiries about whatever their policies are.”
McKinnon says the council strongly supports residents maintaining healthy relationships as they’re good for mental well-being and if the CABs closed, many people would be adversely affected.
“If we disappeared, which is the worst-case scenario, [it would be harmful as] we actively do counselling here and just listen to people.
“A lot of people might sort their own problems out, or there’s something we can tell them that they don’t know about that takes the stress away.
“They’re reassured that someone’s listened and they’ve got a plan.”
The council’s draft budget will soon go out for public consultation and is set to be voted on in June.
Howick Local Board deputy chairperson Bo Burns, left, and Howick ward councillor Sharon Stewart. File photos supplied
The severe damage the recent storm caused to Auckland is raising questions about whether a plan is in place to help local residents respond to such an emergency.
Four people lost their lives and numerous homes were damaged by floodwaters and landslips across the city due to the torrential downpour that struck on January 27.
Mayor Wayne Brown was publicly criticised by councillors for his initial response to the weather emergency and a lack of communication with residents.
The situation led Howick Local Board deputy chairperson Bo Burns to write to Howick ward councillor Sharon Stewart asking to be sent a copy of the official civil defence plan and “standard operating procedures” for east Auckland.
Stewart chairs the council’s civil defence and emergency management committee.
It serves as the city’s “strategic forum for civil defence and emergency management planning and policy” and is responsible for establishing the region’s emergency management structure.
“I have been asking for this information for 3.5 years and know the previous board and chair Adele White has also,” Burns wrote to Stewart.
“This was ramped up for me specifically over Covid and questioning what was the ‘plan’ for our area, what were our roles as local leaders, what stakeholders were included in this plan and where was a live and ever-evolving document that could be accessed by officials. To date I have had nothing.”
Burns told Stewart Civil Defence officials were planning to meet and talk with the board in May.
“That’s a little late now. I have major concerns we do not have a firm plan in place to ensure we ‘the leaders’ know when, who and where to go and lead people to safety.”
Stewart’s written response to Burns states each Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) group in New Zealand is required to have a group plan.
The plan is a statutory requirement under the law and the current plan by the Auckland CDEM group came into effect in August 2016.
Stewart said the plan’s title is ‘Working together to build a Resilient Auckland’ and it’s publicly available on the Auckland Emergency Management website.
The only reference to the Howick ward in the 92-page document relates to a map of a city showing each ward’s boundaries.
Stewart told Burns she believes that because every community is different, each local board in Auckland should develop its own plan.
“It was always the intention for the 21 local boards to each develop their own, custom-made, emergency response plan.
“As of today, I’m not aware of any local board having completed that task as Covid and lockdowns disrupted a lot of those work programmes.
“These concerns have been discussed with Civil Defence staff last year and this will be re-examined when they do the new emergency plan, which is currently being reviewed by the Auckland CDEM group.
“The draft document will be made available for public consultation in due course and the consultation period will be advertised prior to this.”
A large tree cracked and fell onto Priestley Drive in Bucklands Beach due to high winds from Cyclone Gabrielle. Times photo
East Auckland appears to have largely escaped the worst of the damage Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted to parts of the North Island.
Strong winds and heavy rain were felt across the community from Sunday afternoon.
A large tree fell onto Priestley Drive in Bucklands Beach, blocking one lane, and had been chopped up and removed from the road as of Tuesday morning.
Part of Whitford Road in Somerville was closed on Tuesday morning, as was Mellons Bay Road in Howick due to a branch having broken off a large tree on Stockade Hill.
The Government on Tuesday morning declared a National State of Emergency to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty signed the declaration at 8.43am.
Over the weekend, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) established a Civil Defence centre at the Fencible Lounge, beside Howick Library, in Uxbridge Road, for people who needed to evacuate their homes.
People who needed to evacuate to the centre would have been provided with stretcher beds, blankets, food, water, access to welfare support agencies, and psychosocial support.
A community-led centre was also opened at Beachlands School in Bell Road.
It was able to provide people with shelter, food, hot and cold drinks, toilets, a power generator, water, medical assistance and first aid.
AEM’s update on Tuesday morning said strong winds were being experienced across the region and were expected to continue until Wednesday.
The heavy rain warning had been lifted for the Auckland region, the organisation said.
“There is significant surface flooding affecting roads across the region.
“Take extra care and do not drive through flood waters.
“Make sure you have enough food, water and medicines for the next few days.
“Keep your phone charged and have a torch nearby.”
People need to be prepared for Cyclone Gabrielle as it gets closer to Auckland. CC0 via PxHere
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is warning people that Cyclone Gabrielle “has more in store” and to be ready to move if they need to.
AEM deputy controller Rachel Kelleher says the storm’s impacts are expected to get worse before they get better and she reminds the public to be ready to self-evacuate if necessary.
“We’re certainly not out of the woods yet,” Kelleher says.
“I can’t stress this enough. Please have a plan to leave if you see water levels rising around you.
“Do not wait to be told to leave if you think you’re in danger.”
The MetService is advising rain is expected to increase this afternoon and overnight, with up to 200mm expected in some localised areas.
Strong winds and severe south-west gales are expected on Tuesday this week, bringing a risk of power outages across the region.
Storm surge is possible in the early hours of Tuesday, particularly around high tide at 2am.
People are asked to stay away from the coast.
Those living in low-lying coastal areas are urged to consider staying elsewhere overnight.
Kelleher says Civil Defence centres, shelters, and community-led sites have been receiving people who have not been able to stay in their homes or with friends and family.
“While demand for these services since last night has been low, we’ll continue to maintain these sites through today and overnight to ensure they’re ready for anyone who needs them.”
Auckland City Mission is providing shelter for people experiencing homelessness, and there are a range of people working together to make sure everyone has access to a warm, dry place to shelter through the storm.
Auckland Transport (AT) continues to advise people to avoid non-urgent travel.
Essential workers, such as healthcare workers, are asked to take advice from their employer.
Health services in the metropolitan Auckland area are running as normal, and people should attend appointments unless they are advised otherwise.
Kelleher reminds everyone to avoid putting further flood-damaged items or rubbish bins out on the kerbside for collection on Monday or Tuesday this week.
“These can become hazardous during periods of heavy rain and winds, and collections have been postponed for today and tomorrow.
“If you see your neighbours putting their bins out, please let them know too.”
AT has asked people to stay home today and tomorrow and avoid non-urgent travel.
Traffic volumes today have been at about half the usual levels.
KiwiRail has suspended all passenger train services in Auckland until at least midday Tuesday, with some rail replacement buses in operation.
Scheduled bus services are running today, but there will be some delays, detours and cancellations across the network depending on the impact of the cyclone.
People are advised to check for updates on road closures, including for the Harbour Bridge which may close again in high winds.
If it closes again, there’s information about detours on the AT weather watch webpage.
Ferry services are disrupted by current weather conditions, with some cancellations in place.
All ferry services will be finishing early tonight, the last ferry to Devonport will depart Downtown at 5pm.
Please avoid unnecessary travel, avoid driving on coastal roads, and check the AT website for the latest travel information if you must travel.
The NZ Defence Force has been working closely with other agencies to prepare for and respond to the impacts of the cyclone.
There are about 150 personnel and mix of vehicle types positioned across the Northland, Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty areas.
Over the past week Defence Force personnel have been out in Auckland communities helping remove flood-damaged items from the streets, as well as helping set up the Civil Defence centres and shelters across Auckland, delivering more than 50 pallets of emergency supplies including blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags and warm clothes.
If your property is at risk of flooding, consider staying with friends or family tonight, or make a plan to evacuate if you see floodwaters rising.
Have a grab bag ready with clothing, medication, documents and ID, important items for the children or babies.
Those sheltering at home should make sure they have alternative power supplies; lamps, torches and batteries; a radio; a camp stove or BBQ.
Remember to keep your phones charged and use a car charger (and radio) if you need to.
Make sure you have supplies of prescription medication to get you through next week, c
Contact your GP if you’re concerned about health issues, and if you rely on electricity for medical devices, stay in touch with your health provider and your electricity provider and arrange a back-up power supply or contingency plan.
Phone 111 in an emergency or if someone’s life is at risk.
Preparing for power outages
Vector has advised that at 1pm, 12,000 homes and businesses are without power across the region, mostly in communities north of Orewa.
Teams have been putting in a huge effort to restore power, and this will continue throughout today and into tomorrow as the worst of the weather is due to hit the region later today.
AEM has published advice on preparing for and coping through a power outage:
Keep torches, batteries, campstove or BBQ nearby. Take care with candles to prevent fire risk.
Don’t use unsafe ways to heat your home, never use outdoor gas heaters indoors.
Think about visiting neighbours, friends and family that might need help.
Listen to the radio for up-to-date news (you can listen in your car or on your phone, but it’s a good idea to conserve your phone battery).
You can drop into community hubs to charge your phone and have a hot drink.
Take care with food from your fridge and freezer to avoid food poisoning.
Many insurers cover food spoilage from a power outage, and may also cover temporary accommodation if you can’t stay at home. Check your policy or phone your insurer.
Stay clear of fallen power lines and damaged electrical equipment.
An artist’s impression of Beachlands South development. Image supplied
Pohutukawa Coast residents are being encouraged to have their say on a plan change that would allow the development of a new coastal urban neighbourhood in their community.
The proposed development in Beachlands includes the construction of about 3000 homes as well as commercial, retail, education and open-space amenities.
Beachlands South Limited Partnership has applied to Auckland Council for a plan change necessary to facilitate the development.
The partnership is jointly owned by the Russell Property Group and its partners the NZ Super Fund, local iwi Ngai Tai ki Tamaki and Hapai Development Property LP.
The project compromises about 250 hectares and consolidates the Formosa Golf Course land in Jack Lachlan Drive as well as an 80-hectare property on Whitford-Maraetai Road.
由于 时代 has previously reported, Russell Property Group managing director Brett Russell said the company plans to provide modern and sustainable high-quality housing choices and lifestyles with links to improved public transport services.
The master plan includes improvements to the landscaped environment including coastal boardwalks, community playgrounds, parks and open spaces.
It will provide a catalyst for the community to get new primary and secondary schools and the planning provides space for both of these and future planning for the next 15-20 years at Beachlands, he says.
“This is exactly the sort of development our city needs if it is to address the housing crisis.”
Submissions on ‘plan change 88’, which seeks to rezone about 307 hectares of land south of Beachlands township, close at midnight on February 24.
The Beachlands, Maraetai, Omana Concerned Residents Group has been established to share information on the project among locals.
It’s chaired by retired civil engineer Dennis Bartlett and drew about 80 people to a recent presentation and discussion on the issue at a venue in Beachlands.
Bartlett says he spent much of last week at Beachlands Countdown talking to people about the development, asking if they’re aware of it and telling them how to make a submission.
“Most people aren’t aware what’s happening and how to go about it and most don’t appreciate that 307 hectares is about the size of the whole of Beachlands at the moment,” he says.
“It’s a massive undertaking and it’s got some big backers.”
Bartlett says most of the residents he’s talked to about the development don’t oppose it as long as it has sufficient infrastructure.
“The biggest issue out here is we don’t have the infrastructure to support a development of that size, particularly with the roading.
“If you’re leaving Beachlands at 8am and coming home at 4.30pm, there are long queues.
“This is just going to make it worse. We’re trying to make people aware it’s a big development.”
For more information on the plan change and to make a submission, go online to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and search for ‘PC 88 (Private): Beachlands South’.
Submissions can also be emailed to unitaryplan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
People who want to join the residents’ group’s email discussion can send an email to raymondb062@gmail.com.
The Howick Pakuranga premier women have stormed their way into the Pearl Dawson T20 competition final, remaining unbeaten through the round-robin stage.
Despite weeks of cancelled cricket matches at the hand of Auckland’s sombre summer and extensive flooding, the Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club (HPCC) was perpetually impressive on their return, storming to three dominant premier wins.
The HPCC premier men travelled to Te Atatu Park to take on Waitakere in their first two-day match of 2023, which was planned to be played on Saturday and Sunday.
Knowing that day two (Sunday) was likely to be rained off, the side was very keen to earn as many points as possible on day one.
After electing to bowl first, a slow, flat wicket made dismissing the Waitakere batting line-up a tall order.
HPCC’s legspinning duo of Harmeet Singh (4/71) and Kimesh Chetty (3/43) took some life out of the pitch and helped HPCC dismiss Waitakere for 213 after 75 overs.
This left just over 20 overs in the day for HPCC to chase the total, in an effort to get first innings points by the end of day one.
The HPCC batters went on the attack from ball one, destroying the Waitakere bowling line-up in the process.
Liam Winn (112* off 67 balls) led the mammoth chase, with 12 fours and 3 sixes, and scoring his second century of the 22/23 season.
Premier men player, Liam Winn (middle), lead the charge on the weekend, scoring 112* off 67 balls and batting HPCC to a first innings win.
Fellow opener Daniel Young (40 from 29 balls), youngster Lachie Stackpole (26 off 20 balls) and Andrew Morrison (25* off 12 balls) all played vital supporting roles.
HPCC chased the colossal total down with two overs remaining in the day and seven wickets to spare.
Rain on Sunday meant that day two of the match was abandoned and HPCC walked away with a first innings win and bonus points.
The premier men now return home to take on East Coast Bays at Lloyd Elsmore Park on Saturday in another two-day match.
The premier women had another perfect weekend, dominating in their final two round-robin matches of the Pearl Dawson T20 competition.
In their first match, they limited local rivals Papatoetoe to 88 runs owing to star bowlers Marama Downes (3-11), and Josie Penfold (3-16).
They chased this down with six wickets to spare, Skye Bowden top-scoring with 22 runs not out.
The women saved their best performance for last however, bowling first against Suburbs-New Lynn and skittling them for just 45 runs with dominant figures from Mansimran Kaur (4-8), Ayaan Lambat (2-4) and Holly Lightbourne (2-13).
HPCC made light work of this and chased down the total with eight overs to spare to top off a fantastic weekend.
The Llamas (premier women) have remained unbeaten throughout the round-robin stage of the competition to finish top of the table.
This means that they have qualified directly for the final on March 15 where they will play the winner of the 2nd/3rd play-off between Auckland University and Takapuna.
HPCC’s premier women have made the finals for each of the past four season, finishing second once and third three times, but are confident they will take out top spot this season with the return of all their White Ferns, Auckland Hearts and Northern Brave players giving them a full-strength side.
For now, the Llamas get back into one-day matches, and will face Auckland University on Saturday at Colin Maiden Park.
顶级板球比赛结果
Premier Men Hedley Howarth Two-Day Competition | Round 4
North Shore 152 (S Keene 47 not out, R Mudford 42; H Johal 5-49) and 20/0 (S Hinds 14 not out) won first innings against Eden Roskill 143 (S Desai 49; T Chitongo 5-46).
Takapuna District 289/6 declared (Q Sunde 119, C Neal 43; W Somerville 3-63) drew with Parnell 83/1 (R Clinton 52 not out; S Singh 1-18) after rain abandoned day two.
Papatoetoe 322 (S Setia 163, R Ravikumar 49; U Patel 4-50) drew with Cornwall 105/0 (S Dixit 62 not out, A Edekar 38 not out) after rain abandoned day two.
Suburbs-New Lynn 234 (M Barry 66, T Payle 55; K Mackenzie 6-51) drew with Auckland University 74/3 (S Sharma 19; A Ashok 2-18) after rain abandoned day two.
Premier Men Tom Hellaby Two-Day Competition | Round 4
Waitakere 213 (S Variath 63; H Singh 4-71, K Chetty 3-43) lost first innings to Howick Pakuranga 221/3 (L Winn 112 not out, D Young 40; M Atkins 1-31).
Ellerslie 216 (P Narsimhan 51, S Venville 50; D Taylor 3-51) drew with Grafton 136/8 (J Houghton 40; P Narsimhan 5-38) after rain abandoned day two.
Birkenhead City 253 (B Barnard 101, A Jayampathi 60; U Ghani 4-45) drew with Kumeu 77/6 (R Jenner 21; P Fernando 2-17) after rain abandoned day two.
Premier Women – Pearl Dawson Trophy T20 Competition
Round 9: Papatoetoe 88/9 (Private 37 not out; M Downes 3-11, J Penfold 3-16) lost to Howick Pakuranga 90/4 (S Bowden 22 not out; K Anderson 2-9) by six wickets.
Round 10: Suburbs-New Lynn 45 (S Samadi 14; M Kaur 4-8, A Lambat 2-4) lost to Howick Pakuranga 47/2 (C Stevens 18 not out; D Chauhan 1-14) by eight wickets.
Howick Pakuranga 板球俱乐部近期赛程
Round 5, Day 1 Tom Hellaby Two-Day Competition- Howick Pakuranga Premier Men VS East Coast Bays CC Premier Men at Lloyd Elsmore Park- Saturday February 18, 11am.
Round 7 Prichard Cup Limited Over Competition- Howick Pakuranga Premier Women VS Auckland University CC Premier Women at Colin Maiden Park- Saturday February 18, 11am.
Cyclone Gabrielle has made landfall in Aotearoa and Auckland Emergency Management is urging people to prepare for further serious and severe weather across Auckland in the coming days.
“The impact of Gabrielle is still in its early stages,” says Auckland Emergency Management deputy controller Rachel Kelleher.
“Now is not a time for complacency. Things will get worse before they get better. Please follow the advice from official channels, keep informed of updates, be prepared to leave if you need to and look out for one another.”
There were 27 Civil Defence Centres and Shelter sites that opened last evening, with eight sites housing people overnight. The sites were opened across Tamaki Makaurau for individuals and families who need to leave their homes and are not able to stay with friends or family. A further 12 community-led centres are being run by community groups at local marae and churches.
The lines companies have reported that thousands of homes are without power across the upper North Island, including in north Auckland. They are working quickly to restore power where they can, however further power outages can be expected.
Auckland Transport is still urging people to avoid all non-urgent travel today and tomorrow. The Auckland Harbour Bridge has been reopened this morning, however AT is advising that the situation is fluid and it could close again at any time if the wind rises. We need to expect other road closures.
Auckland Council has closed all its non-essential services across the region today and tomorrow, and Kelleher advises anyone travelling today to plan for things to change.
There is a high risk of coastal inundation and storm surge on the high tide overnight Monday and into the early hours of Tuesday morning. People are asked to stay away from the coast.
“We would remind everyone that this bad weather is likely to worsen already-saturated ground conditions and further instability. Please keep an eye out for landslips, take extra precautions, and if you have any safety concerns at all, please consider finding alternate accommodation.”
“We are working very closely with the NZ Defence Force, which has brought in personnel that are stationed across Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and other regions at risk. They have been working hard to deliver welfare stores to civil defence centres and shelters, and they’ll be available to help with evacuations over the coming days if required.”
Kelleher urges people to keep checking the Auckland Emergency Management website www.aem.org.nz and social media channels for useful information to get prepared, including advice for if your power goes out. She reminds people to have torches and batteries, a radio, a camp stove or BBQ, and to keep phones charged.
“Please check on neighbours, friends and whānau that might need your help.”
“We’re expecting this weather to get worse before it gets better. Please follow all advice, look after each other, and make sure you have a plan for what to do.”
“We know that this is an anxious time for many. Let’s focus on what’s immediately in front of us and we’ll get through it together,” Kelleher says.
Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown speaks to residents outside homes damaged by a large slip on January 29. Photo Getty Images
Auckland Emergency Management says it is working closely with MetService, Auckland Council and partner agencies to ensure the region is as prepared as possible for any potential impacts from Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We strongly encourage our communities to use the next few days to get ready for what could be another significant weather event for the region,” says Auckland Emergency Management’s deputy controller Rachel Kelleher.
“We are working with the council and our other partner agencies to ensure we are as prepared as possible for what’s to come but we are also asking Aucklanders to keep pitching in, as they have been since January 27, to get themselves, and their communities, storm ready.
“Please help us to ensure kerbs, inlets and stormwater drains are clear of leaves and debris; and if you’ve already had flood-damaged items collected from your kerbside, please do not put anymore out.
“Instead, if you can, please take it to one of the 15 drop-off facilities across the region.”
“The direct path of Cyclone Gabrielle is uncertain at this stage, and while we are hoping for the best, we must all be prepared for the worst,” Mayor Brown said.
“The council’s Waste Solutions team is working at pace alongside the New Zealand Defence Force to clear drains, berms, and rubbish, to prevent flooding and potential public health risks.
“Local iwi and community groups, including the Student Volunteer Army, are on hand to support residents to assist ahead of any severe weather. If you require urgent assistance, call 0800 22 22 00.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the cooperation and efforts of regional and national emergency management units, emergency responders, council officers, councillors, local boards, local iwi, and our communities. We are all working together.”
Based on current information, MetService advises that the Auckland region can expect to feel the first effects of Cyclone Gabrielle from Sunday night, with the most severe weather impacts expected on Monday and Tuesday.
The weather system is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and very large waves to parts of the North Island.
The Child Cancer Foundation’s street appeal is the foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year, where hundreds of volunteers take to the streets to collect the critical funds needed to support these children and their families. Photo CCF
Child Cancer Foundation’s street appeal is back on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, and they need volunteers across the country to help raise funds for Kiwi kids with cancer.
The street appeal is the foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year, where hundreds of volunteers take to the streets to collect the critical funds needed to support these children and their families.
The foundation had to cancel its physical collection in 2022 due to Covid-19, so it is urging Kiwis to get involved this year.
“It was a devastating blow to have had to cancel our appeal last year,” says Child Cancer Foundation’s chief executive Monica Briggs.
“That’s why the tamariki and whanau we support need your help now more than ever,” says Briggs.
“We need to raise $6 million each year and we don’t receive any direct government funding, so these families rely on the generosity of their fellow Kiwis.”
The foundation is currently supporting around 1300 families nationwide through all stages of their experience with childhood cancer.
Getting involved in the 2023 Street Appeal is easy – simply volunteer two hours of your time at a collection site near you.
“It’s a lot of fun and every dollar you collect will make a real difference for Kiwi families impacted by childhood cancer,” says Briggs.
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) is working closely with MetService, the Mayor’s Office, Auckland Council and partner agencies to ensure the region is as prepared as possible for any potential impacts caused by Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We strongly encourage our communities to use the next few days to get ready for what could be another significant weather event for the region,” says Auckland Emergency Management’s deputy controller Rachel Kelleher.
“We are working with the council and our other partner agencies to ensure we are as prepared as possible for what’s to come but we are also asking Aucklanders to keep pitching in, as they have been since January 27, to get themselves, and their communities, storm ready.
“Please help us to ensure kerbs, inlets and stormwater drains are clear of leaves and debris; and if you’ve already had flood-damaged items collected from your kerbside, please do not put anymore out.
“Instead, if you can, please take it to one of the 15 drop-off facilities across the region.
“Finally, I want to acknowledge the truly amazing work being done across Tāmaki Makaurau by volunteer groups. Community Support Hubs have provided untold comfort to hundreds of people that have been impacted by these recent events. Not to mention the hard mahi being that’s being done by community organisations, sporting groups, marae and other individuals all across the region,” says Rachel.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is urging all Aucklanders to be prepared for another potential severe weather event this weekend.
“The direct path of Cyclone Gabrielle is uncertain at this stage, and while we are hoping for the best, we must all be prepared for the worst,” Mayor Brown said.
“The council’s Waste Solutions team is working at pace alongside the New Zealand Defence Force to clear drains, berms, and rubbish, to prevent flooding and potential public health risks.
“Local iwi and community groups, including the Student Volunteer Army, are on hand to support residents to assist ahead of any severe weather. If you require urgent assistance, call 0800 22 22 00.
“Please check on friends and whanau, and neighbours.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the cooperation and efforts of regional and national emergency management units, emergency responders, council officers, councillors, local boards, local iwi, and our communities. We are all working together.”
热带气旋加布里埃尔
Based on current information, MetService advises that the Auckland region can expect to feel the first effects of Cyclone Gabrielle from Sunday night, with the most severe weather impacts expected on Monday and Tuesday.
This weather system is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and very large waves to parts of the North Island.
As the Cyclone tracks closer, we will have more certainty on which path it will take and its potential impacts. We expect to know more on Friday and will provide updates accordingly.
How Aucklanders can prepare
We’re asking everyone to take the next couple of days to get prepared. We have time. The GetReady website is a great resource for people to check out, with lots of information and tips for how people can prepare for a storm.
Think about your family members, pets and belongings – be prepared to leave if you need to, and have enough supplies to sustain yourself for up to three days
If you are reliant on prescription medication, it is worth ensuring you have enough supplies to get you through next week
Check on neighbours; particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable
If you can, please take any flood-damaged items to one of our 15 drop off facilities before Sunday and refrain from putting any additional items out on the kerb for collection
We’re asking Aucklanders to pitch in by ensuring kerbs and drains on and around properties are clear of debris before Sunday evening if it safe to do so – or report them to Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00.
Preparations underway
Auckland Emergency Management is working to set up an increased number of sites across the region for people to take shelter if they need to evacuate, if and when the severe weather hits.
The addresses of the evacuation centres will be published on www.aem.org.nz in the coming days.
We understand that access to some of these locations may be blocked depending on when and how the storm hits. We are making contingency plans for access, or if we need to move to another site quickly.
The council’s Waste Solutions team is working with the New Zealand Defence Force to clear items and belongings removed from kerbsides across the region as quickly as possible to ensure these don’t cause further issues in the event of further flooding
Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters operations teams and contractors are working hard to maintain the region’s stormwater network while preparing for more severe weather
Work continues clearing hot spots and blockages around catchpits and inlet grilles and removing debris from streams and waterways.
Auckland Emergency Management continues to respond to thousands of requests for service since last month’s floods.
Civil Defence Centres and Community Support Hubs remain open in Henderson, Māngere, New Lynn, Birkenhead and Randwick Park. For advice or assistance, you can also call 0800 22 22 00.
Jamie Kent, left, the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association secretary, and Peter Seekup, the president, at Bucklands Beach. Times photo Josie Lu
By Josie Lu, journalism intern
Speeding cars are putting children at risk in Bucklands Beach, a Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association member says.
A public meeting about proposed safety improvements for Bucklands Beach will be held on Thursday.
To address issues of speeding traffic and pedestrian safety, Auckland Transport has proposed changes such as installing raised zebra crossings, speed bumps and traffic islands in the area.
“It’s really about facilitating consultation with the community,” says Peter Seekup, president of the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association.
“Instead of Auckland Transport just going ahead and doing what they think would work, it’s involving the local residents that live along that road, that are going to directly have a speed bump put in front of their house and asking whether they’re happy with that or not,” says Jamie Kent, the association’s secretary.
She says cars have been speeding in the area and many residents have expressed concerns about kids and dogs almost being hit.
“It’s really dangerous around here so we need to get something sorted,” Kent says.
The Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association was resurrected in August last year and now has 282 members in its Facebook group.
Seekup says the association aims to inform residents about local projects and to try and get community involvement in them.
“We want to bridge the gap between the local board, council and the community; just really open that communication line,” says Kent.
The association’s committee holds monthly meetings and has identified five projects to focus on, including traffic on The Parade, Macleans Park, Bucklands Beach War Memorial Hall, fishing bylaws and coastal erosion.
These issues will be addressed with the help of the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council.
“They seem, so far, to have been brilliant in helping us,” Kent says.
“They’re very on board and trying their best to help.”
Aside from keeping residents up to date on local issues, the association’s Facebook page also aims to unite the local community and celebrate its residents.
The page has recently started a ‘Good Sorts of the Peninsula’ initiative which periodically rewards someone who does good for the local community.
Due to the area becoming more multicultural, the association is also working on a multilingual website and WeChat group to promote inclusivity for local residents.
Currently people can get involved through the group’s Facebook page.
“If any of the projects that we’re working on resonate with you, then come and get involved,” Seekup says.
“We’re all just really passionate about the peninsula. We love it. We think it’s the best place to live in Auckland so we want to keep it that way,” Kent says.
All are welcome to attend the public meeting where Auckland Transport, Howick Local Board and the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association will be presenting.
It’s at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 9, at Bucklands Beach Bowling Club.
The NZ Polo Open begins on Tuesday, February 14 with the final on Sunday, February 19 at the Auckland Polo Club grounds in Clevedon.
After a long spell due to the pandemic, the NZ Polo Open returns this year with a bang.
The tournament will start on Tuesday, February 14 and 24 teams will compete throughout the week, with the NZ Polo Open final to be held on Sunday, February 19 at Auckland Polo Club’s renowned Fisher Field.
The famous ‘Horsepower versus Horsepower’ will take on a special twist as the Archibald & Shorter, Range Rover Supercharged V8 will race the acclaimed New Zealand thoroughbred, this year with a mystery driver in the Range Rover who may look a little familiar.
On the field as the teams compete will be a showcase of the country’s top polo ponies who have made a name globally for being the best in the world.
Finals day will see more 100 thoroughbred horses who have found their second careers with polo, showcasing the unique ability and flexibility of this athletic breed.
In a special animal welfare and rehoming collaboration with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, 2023 will see the introduction of prize money for the best-playing rehomed thoroughbreds with $9000 up for grabs.
On the style front, the highly anticipated ‘Remix Fashion at the Polo’ is gearing up to be one of the best, with prizes for best dressed lady, best dressed gentleman, best accessory and, new for this year, a people’s choice award.
Wilhelmina Shrimpton, Amber Baker, and NZ Polo Open event ambassador Holly Estelle are the fashion judges this year.
For those wanting to stretch their legs, the 100 metre dashes on the polo field will be one for the competitive, with the chance for the ladies to win a Jeroboam of Provence’s Whispering Angel Rosé and for the gentlemen a Kim Clifford 10/4 Spiced Rum.
Finishing off a great day of the 46th NZ Polo Open will be the George FM after party on the Heineken Lawn.
