Lions seek help to store, sort books
“We need you or it won’t happen.” That is the position of Lions who are still desperately seeking accommodation to store and sort donated books.
Peter Cresswell, chairman of the Combined Lions Bookfair committee, said somewhere between 50 and 150 square metres was needed, and all options will be considered, even on a temporary basis.
“So please help. Otherwise, the bookfairs will cease.”
He and other members have been searching hard for accommodation but so far nothing has been found and short of a resolution, the timehonoured bookfairs will have to come to an end.
“That would be a real shame. We’ve been going for 25 years and have raised close to $800,000 which has all gone to local charities.”
Contact Peter Cresswell on 904 2699 or 027 734 5241.
Cooler cloudier conditions
February in Kā piti, along with the rest of western central New Zealand, saw a return to the cooler, cloudier conditions of December, more like what we might expect in autumn.
“Except for January it wasn’t the greatest summer, but it was dry,” local weather commentator Murray Eggers said.
“Our daily average maximum temperature of 22.6C was almost a degree cooler than the 13-year average, and a degree cooler than February 2023.
“But for much of the month it was actually the coolest February recorded over the last 13 years, however, temperatures did rise towards the end of the month.
“Despite lower temperatures we still reached 20C every day; the warmest being Wednesday 22 with 27.7C and the second-warmest on the last day of the month reached 24.5C.
“As usual for the time of year, and especially this El Nino summer, east coast Blenheim and Masterton, at 25.6C and 25.1C respectively had the highest average maximums in central New Zealand, with Kā piti, Levin and Lower Hutt second at around 22.5C.
“However, Kā piti’s overall mean temperature of 18.4C was the highest in central New Zealand, with Blenheim and Masterton being cooler at 18.1C and 17.3C respectively due to their cool nights.
“February received the equivalent of 17 sunny days, two fewer than average, with the longest spell of sunshine of four days occurring in the third week. Total rainfall of 33mm recorded at the airport was half the longterm average, again reflecting the low precipitation of recent months.
“This was mostly in the form of drizzle with the highest event delivering only 12mm.
“March will see the days drawing
in with cooler nights, but with the maximum temperatures usually reaching 20C and above.”
Woman named in Raumati Beach death
Police have released the name of the woman who died at Raumati Beach last month.
Ellen Ellis, 79, died in a waterrelated incident on the beach on February 15.
“Police’s thoughts remain with her family at this difficult time,” a police spokesperson said.
Her death has been referred to the coroner.
Street appeal
Child Cancer Foundation’s volunteers will be taking to the streets across New Zealand on Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9 to raise vital funds to support tamariki with cancer and their families.
“Every week this year, three Kiwi families will be told the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer,” Child Cancer Foundation’s chief executive Monica Briggs said.
“Your donation will directly fund personalised support for each family, helping them overcome the immense challenges that come with having a sick child.”
To ensure each family living through childhood cancer in New Zealand receives the support they need, Child Cancer Foundation needs to raise at least $6 million each year.
They receive no funding from the Government, so they rely on the generosity of everyday New Zealanders to help these families through the toughest time of their lives.
“Whether it funds a delivery of groceries, a petrol voucher or a listening ear of support, every dollar will help provide life-changing assistance,” Briggs said.