Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti Response Availability to support research for Land Use Inquiry

Tairāwhiti communities have been reeling from the impacts of sediment from erosionprone hills and woody debris from forestry for many years. A ministerial inquiry has now been commissioned to investigate a wide range of related matters within a very short timeframe.

The communities affected need help in the first 2-3 weeks of March from experienced researchers and any other volunteers to help work through the body of published evidence relating to the scope of the Inquiry.

This will be to prepare submissions that will be robust and effective in providing the Inquiry and broader public with the facts of the matters at stake.

Any individuals or organisations willing and able to assist with the task of identifying, accessing, understanding, distilling and sharing the knowledge from existing sources are asked to respond to this request for support and let us know how you can be involved over the next 2-3 weeks.

To register your ability to contribute or for more information please contact Rawinia Olsen-Kingi - rawiniak@gmail.com / 021 2471797 http://www.facebook.com/pipi.wharauroa

Fire Safety

Antony Ruru

Huit Nguru

Ko te paki ō Hewa tēnei. Kua whakamaengarangi noa te tangata, kua tikina ngā kete pipi, ngā karaihe ruku pāua, ngā aho me ngā matire mō te hī, mō ngā nohonga i tātahi, kua rekareka katoa ngā tamariki ki te kaukau noa. Kua harikoa te tangata kua tae ki te wā mō te whakatā.

This time of year, is called the fine weather of Hewa meaning mirage, shimmering and heat, it is a time when people are listless from the heat, it is a time for fishing and gathering shellfish. Diving gear, fishing lines and rods are checked and loaded into canoes and vehicles and the children are delighted just to swim. The people are happy because it’s a summer break.

The month of Huitānguru has given us some hot days and the sea and rivers have been warm enough to entice people to go fishing, diving, and swimming. The summer break is over, and school has begun for our Kura. However, like other emergency services throughout Aotearoa, Firefighters don’t get a break for the summer. To carry on with our Fire Safety message for this month is ‘Get Out Stay Out’.

Most fatal fires occur at night as this is when people are asleep and just cannot smell the smoke. It is therefore important that you have an audible warning device, such as a smoke alarm, to alert you to a fire.

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

• Fire and Emergency recommends photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway in your home for best protection. Install them in the middle of the ceiling of each room.

• Test your smoke alarm. Press the test button, if it’s working you will hear a loud beep or series of beeps. Use a broom handle if your smoke alarm is hard to reach.

• Work out two escape routes for every room for getting out of the house and off the property. Plan and practice your escape from fire rather than panic, you will instinctively know what to do.

• Make sure everyone in your home knows your escape plan.

• Pick a safe meeting place outside the home where it is safe to call 111. It could be your letterbox if it is far enough away.

• Always keep keys in deadlocks on doors and windows when you’re at home so you can get out quickly in an emergency

E Hoa Mā Kia Mataara! C’mon Guys Get Firewise.