11th May issue 2020

Over the last six weeks or so of lockdown we have seen round-theclock reporting of every aspect of the coronavirus as it has taken its toll on what is a surprisingly defenceless world.

 

Council is now seeking feedback from the community before adopting the package after the proposal was unanimously supported by elected members at their meeting today. 
 

Day 44 of isolation in Mangawhai Heads. Firstly, I just want to say how truly lucky we are to be able to call this beautiful place our ‘bubble’ and there hasn’t been a day gone by since we entered lockdown, that I have wished to be anywhere else. 

 

Under the heavy limits set by Level 4, a handful of local cafes sought some financial relief and support at SOScafe.nz, a website offering a ‘pay it forward’ type rescue scheme.


 

Northland has been tipped into one of the most severe droughts on record and there’s no quick fix for the serious situation the region is in, according to the Northland Regional Council.

 

Health a priority? Our Government is so concerned with our health and wellbeing, we were placed under Level 4 isolation. We keep being told that we will not return to life as it was. Why not? 

 

Homeless animals, waifs and strays recently lost their best friend and defender with the passing of Julie Harbin-McKay from cancer on April 16.

 

A retail team at one of Mangawhai’s iconic shops, Bammas, owned by David and Mariska Glover, say they have dealt with the recent restrictions by ‘bunkering down’ and ‘focusing on a brighter day’.

 

Although stocking a variety of daily food products, there is still some confusion whether the Kaiwaka Cheese Shop was classed as an essential service under Level 4, owner for 15 years Keith Draper says. 

 

Owner and manager of three local eateries, Liz Hutchin, says she is grateful to open two of her takeaways under Level 3 – Thai Oasis and Mangawhai Pizzeria in the Village – with ice cream parlour Dizzy Lizzy’s to remain closed until Level 2.

 

Under pressure from lockdown, Home & Hobbies (H&H) director Beth Stone and coowner of Valley Vista Eco Retreat, which she shares with husband Barry, says she’s ‘been moved to tears many times’ through Levels 4 and 3, and ‘can’t see an end to it just yet’.
 

The rain began Saturday afternoon. At first there was just enough to dampen the washing I had out, but by mid-afternoon there was what I call ‘proper rain’. 
 

It stuck in my mind as being relevant. Yet I discovered it back when the world was less crazy and I was very much a part of what small amount of crazy it had. It went something like this...
 

Courage, commitment and selflessness are qualities found in many firefighters worldwide and a special day dedicated to recognising the many volunteers and career fighters was celebrated recently.

 

Workplaces need to be ready for an increase in mental distress as they prepare for staff to return to work,” says mental health expert Kristina Paterson. With some businesses opening in Alert Level 3, and the expectation of Level 2.