Focus On Waihī Beach
We’re reflecting on what is going on in the community and offering a collaborative framework to form positive relationships within the community and with Council and Community Board. For any inquiries, suggestions, or information on future events, please contact Don Fraser 021 777 675 or Karen Wallace 021 337 559 karenwallace930@gmail.com.
Public Meeting at Waihī Beach RSA By Don Fraser
Covid in NZ – where does vaccination fit in?
On November 5th, Dr Robert Young from Auckland University and Auckland Hospital came down to Waihī Beach to discuss with the community about Covid, and how the vaccines work.
Dr Young explained that Covid came second after the Sars pandemic, and the vaccine had already been produced then. As with the flu injection each year, a few different variants were added to suit Covid 19.
It is a virus infecting the lungs initially by rapidly reproducing itself. The vaccine alerts the body quickly and our immune system kicks in quickly if you are vaccinated and slowly if not vaccinated.
It is basically an aggressive form of pneumonia, where complications happen particularly as we age or have other health issues.
If vaccinated it is likely to be like the flu. But if not vaccinated, it can be ugly.
Children have better immunity but can still get Covid.
The vaccine is fifty-year-old technology, not new. The Pfizer vaccine remains the best and most tested option.
A double vaccine will reduce your chance of hospitalization by 90%. Vaccinated people will see only 3 in 1,000,000 people die, whereas unvaccinated will see that number rise to 30 people per 1,000,000.
Booster shots are now available and will really benefit your immune response. Therefore, we need to have our immune system prepared and protected by being vaccinated.
Menz Shed update By Brian Baynes, Chairperson
Shortages and waiting for steel and flashings have held up progress on the shed and we are still hoping to have a closed-in building by Christmas.
We have been fortunate to have received some significant donations towards our build showing that people and organisations recognise the value of our ambitions.
Community Connector, Angela Wallace, is available at Waihī Beach Community Centre every Tuesday between 9.30am – 3pm to help with any support queries you might have, such as accessing government services, benefits, assistance with online services or if you are simply stuck and not sure where to find support.
You’ll find Angela upstairs in the Community Centre offices – the entrance is via the library. To book an appointment phone Angela on 020 40704426 or email connector@katikaticommunity.nz. This service is free of charge and is offered by the Katikati Community Centre.
We are very lucky at the beach to have quite a few talented artists living here. Over the holiday season, a few artists
Community Connector service Art at Waihī Beach
will be opening their studios for people to visit. Recently Pam Lines, watercolourist, held a very successful exhibition at Hāwera Art Gallery. Pam will be one of the artists to exhibit over Anniversary weekend.
The Waihī Beach Medical Centre will be open weekdays in January. If you think you need to see a doctor, please phone 07 863 5757, as the doctors are doing phone consults, but will ask you to come in if they think a face-to-face consultation is necessary. You must wear a mask if you come in. Call to find the duty practice over the weekends and public holidays.
The Medical Centre is not offering Covid vaccines over the summer holidays. There are locations at Waihī and Katikati.
Waihī Beach summer health care