U-turn on cuts to senior services

client requires, based on their needs.

MidCentral funding and planning general manager Craig Johnston said he was thankful for the feedback leading to the change of heart.

‘‘The people of our district are never afraid to speak up if they feel something isn’t right, and we have a commitment to listen to those who use our health services.

‘‘In this case, people feel that any change in service level should be sensitive to the client’s needs. We have taken this on board and will keep everyone’s hours as they are, as we gradually review each person concerned to determine the level of care they require based on their needs.’’

Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway raised concerns about inflexible funding for the DHBs, stating the proposed changes were symtomatic of the Government underfunding MidCentral.

‘‘That begs the question, where will the money come from?

‘‘This decision was made to save money. The DHB will still be wanting to save money.’’

Lees-Galloway said he would be surprised if there were many people who could have their home management hours reduced.

‘‘The people who I have met all look, to me, to be people who could do with more home support.’’

He said he believed the DHB had been under pressure from Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman, following questioning from Labour health spokeswoman Annette King in the House last week.

‘‘This situation had become particularly embarassing.’’

He said he believed the cuts to services would happen in a less politically-sensitive area. There seemed to be a shoo-in to win, with one competitor bobbing and wobbling ahead of the massive swarm of yellow rubber duckies down Feilding’s Makino Stream.

As the downpour of 2000 duckies flooded the stream, one seemed to have the race sewn up before being pipped at the post.

Raising money for a new fort at Eden Christian Kindergarten, each duck was numbered and allocated to people vying for their share of the large pool of prizes.

The 500-metre race was kicked off with a tip truck, pouring the ducks onto a tarpaulin and into the water, while punters dressed in duck onesies and children with