Gearing up for parade surprises
Among the only certainties to appear at the Pleasant Point Christmas parade this Friday is Father Christmas.
Apart from a few other regulars, such as the pipe band, police, the fire brigade and the Lions Club, the content of the parade changes every year.
With no registrations taken beforehand, even parade secretary Deanne Milne has no idea who will be turning up on the night.
Rather than the more traditional processions held elsewhere, the Pleasant Point parade involves local residents turning topical issues into floats, providing a colourful and cheeky look back at the year’s events.
‘‘I would hazard a guess at Jacinda Ardern turning up this year, and some drought busting floats, but I really have no idea,’’ Milne said.
Milne has been involved with organising the event for 11 years, and said her favourite part was helping Santa out as he receives gift requests and gives away lollies, after parking up his sleigh.
Santa, better known as Keith Malthus during the rest of the year, is one of only two Santas to appear in the history of the event.
‘‘This will be my 17th year,’’ Malthus said.
‘‘The previous Father Christmas did 42 years, so I’m not sure if I’ll top that.
‘‘My favourite part of the evening is the smiles on the kids’ faces when they are telling me what they want for Christmas.’’
Malthus estimated that last year he heard a couple of hundred requests at the parade, which also provides a social event for locals to catch up.
‘‘It’s a great night out for the community, for some it might be the only time they see each other all year, especially the farmers.’’
The parade first began in 1959, and has never been cancelled.
Past floats have targeted everyone from Donald Trump to Chris Cairns.
The route starts at Tengawai Rd to Munro St then up Harris St. Roads are closed and entry is free.
The display begins at 7pm on December 15.
Expect delays
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is advising motorists travelling on State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki to expect delays. Road works are currently being undertaken on SH8 between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki. An update on the NZTA website says that due to resurfacing there will be traffic management in place including stop go and reduced speed limits. These road works will remain in place until December 18 between the hours of 7am and 6pm.
Toxic algae found
A toxic algae found in the Opihi River has prompted health officials to warn people and specifically dogs to stay away from the tributary. Monitoring had identified relatively high cover of the potentially toxic cyanobacteria algae in the Opihi River at State Highway 1 on Wednesday. The algae appeared as a dark brown mat attached to rocks in the river bed, it occurred naturally but could increase rapidly during warmer months. The algae could make animals sick and potentially cause death. South Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Daniel Williams said the algal mats can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. ‘‘Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips. ‘‘No one should drink the water from the river at any time’’ Boiling the water from the river does not remove the toxin, Williams said. ‘‘If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately, also let your doctor know if you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area.’’ Animals should be taken to a vet immediately if they come into contact with the contaminated rivers, he said. On March 8 the algae was found in the Waihi River at the Waihi Gorge in Geraldine, earlier in March it was also found in the Opihi River near the Raincliff Bridge. Environment Canterbury(ECan) was monitoring the sites and the public will be advised of any changes, Williams said. ECan warned to avoid water contact if the water was cloudy, discoloured, musty smelling, coloured scum forming, or thick brown or black mats with a slimy texture covering riverbeds.
Water notice lifted
A boil water notice for the Downlands water scheme was lifted on Wednesday afternoon. Downlands supplies 78,000 hectares within the Timaru, Waimate and Mackenzie districts with household and stock water, and has five intakes.