Breakfast briefing
Safety first
Te Ngae Junction near Rotorua is set to become safer with the installation of an Intersection Speed Zone. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has installed the electronic speed signs at the intersection of State Highways 30 and 33 to help prevent deaths and serious injuries. The signs will be operational from April 19.
Arts grants
The Rotorua District Creative Communities Scheme has given $63,446 to support arts initiatives in Rotorua. Thirty-eight grants were presented to a wide variety of arts projects including workshops and cultural performances, festivals and theatre, visual arts, literature, music and more.
Your feedback
Tomorrow from 10am to 5pm there is a chance for young people to speak with elected members and provide verbal feedback on the Long Term Plan 2021-2031. It is a Puketawhero Park at the Rotorua Youth Festival.
Freedom of speech
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking public feedback to improve freedom camping in New Zealand. Public meetings will be held in Tauranga, Taupoo¯ Whitianga, Auckland, Whanga¯rei and other parts of New Zealand. Submissions can be made through MBIE’S online survey, by email or mail and close on May 16. Visit the ministry website for more information.
Hub for jabs sought
The Lakes District Health Board is seeking an immunisation hub venue in Taupo¯. A similar hub is running well in Rotorua, but the board has so far been unable to find suitable premises in Taupo¯. The building needs to be in the township, with plenty of available parking, and wheelchair access. The health board need a space of at least 300sq m with heating and utilities. It is keen to hear from anyone with a suitable venue in mind.
Dairy awards
The 2021 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards major award went to Galatea couple Aran and Sharleen Sealey on Thursday night, while Te Puke’s Dayna Rowe won 2021 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year and Matata¯ farmer Hayden Goodall was named the 2021 Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the Year.
WOF appeal
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people to consider getting early Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspections to take advantage of a lull in demand for inspections. As a flow-on effect of last year’s lockdown, Waka Kotahi expects the demand for vehicle inspections to be much lower this April than in previous years. People who have Wofs or Certificates of Fitness due midyear should consider going for an early inspection.
Natural burial
Six months after they were made legal by Whakatāne District Council, the first natural burial has been held at the Hillcrest Cemetery Natural Burial Grove. When buried naturally, a body is placed in a shallow plot, in a coffin made of soft, untreated wood or cardboard or a shroud. Compost is placed with the body and a native tree planted on top. Eventually the natural cemetery becomes native bush and a permanent living memorial to those buried there.