Breakfast briefing
Covid test tally
A total of 530 Covid tests were taken in the Lakes District Health Board area on Thursday. And 325 swabs were taken in Rotorua and 178 in Taupo¯. A total of 316 swabs were taken on Wednesday.
Rotorua rates due
Rotorua Lakes Council rates for the first quarter of the financial year were due yesterday. A 10 per cent penalty applies to any part of a quarterly rates invoice not paid by the due date. To apply for a rates rebate, go to the council website.
Book loans extended
Rotorua Library users with borrowed books are being asked to keep them at home. Members will not be charged overdue fines or extra rental charges. Loan periods for all items currently on loan have been extended to September 24 with the possibility for a longer extension depending on alert levels. All members have access to the elibrary and other residents can become digital members to access this.
Fewer buses
Bay of Plenty bus services are operating on a reduced timetable which is available to view at the Bay Bus website. People should only travel if their journey is essential, practice social distancing and wear a face mask.
Blood donations
The next opportunity to give blood in Rotorua is on August 31 from 1pm to 7pm and September 1 from 9am to 2pm at the Distinction Hotel. Book at the NZ Blood website. Blood donations can still be made during alert level 4.
Calendar cuties
SPCA Rotorua is asking pet owners for photos for its calendar competition. SPCA’S Calendar Competition is open to all kinds of pets. All money raised from entries goes straight back into the animal community. Entries will also go in the draw to win prizes from Purina NZ. Entries can be submitted on the SPCA website.
Canopy tour prize
Rotorua Canopy Tours is encouraging work teams to enter the draw to win an exclusive original canopy tour in September. Rotorua Canopy Tours shared in a Facebook post that teams can celebrate wins, acknowledge achievements, welcome newbies, do some team bonding, reset from a tough year, or just have a bit of fun. Entries can be made on its website.
Free parking
The Rotorua Lakes Council has advised there is no requirement to pay for parking at this stage. Timeframes listed on any existing infringement notices (i.e. to pay, dispute) remain as is.
Driver arrested
A driver who allegedly fled police behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle in Waikato on Wednesday was later arrested in Rotorua. Police say the driver received minor injuries during the arrest on Fairy Springs Rd and was taken to hospital. A spokeswoman said police attempted to stop an allegedly stolen vehicle on State Highway 5 in Tirau, Waikato at 2.40pm. The driver allegedly failed to stop and the police did not pursue the vehicle, she said. Charges were pending.