Times Media Covid-19 Lockdown Flipbook 21-04-20

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ANZAC DAY

Bear poses See page 20

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR!

BRAINSTORM TUITION ONLINE CLASSES

During the Lockdown we are offering on-line classes using Zoom. These are being really successful in allowing students to progress in their studies in spite of not being at school.

Year 8 to year 11 classes start from $35 per hour. Year 12 and 13 classes start from $40 per hour. NCEA, Cambridge and Scholarship. Lessons have audio and video so students can ask questions as we go. We can also ask them questions to make sure they understand each step.

No special equipment needed. Please check the website below for class times.

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Essential Services NEWS MEDIA

GAS REFILLS

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The Times continues to deliver you news updates via it’s website www.times.co.nz and our Times Online Facebook page, subscriber newsletters (sign up via www.times.co.nz) and this Flipbook.

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2 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

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HEALTH

Coronavirus (covid-19) has changed the way we do some things, our focus during this time is keeping patients safe and well.

REMAINING OPEN 24/7 DURING THIS LOCKDOWN PERIOD

We have increased patient safety protocols, with cleaning and protective equipment in order to keep you safe.

Don’t wait if you need care — we have capacity to see you and your family now!

We can also offer phone or video consultations while you are at home (fees apply) so please contact us.

110 Michael Jones Dr, Flat Bush.

Phone 265 0321. Email info@bjdocs.co.nz www.botanyjunctionmedical.co.nz

We are open 8:30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, it is essential you phone before coming to our clinic.

For After Hours care, go to East Care, 260 Botany Rd, Howick.

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TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 3

Puzzle Page Cryptic Puzzle ACROSS

2

3

4

5

6

7

NO. 7953

DOWN

2. Not very arduous, to be fair (5).

3. Don’t get the hand dirty (7).

4. The top man is given notice (4).

5. Abandoned, mistakenly relied on going to court (8).

6. Dead beat the day after, made a further statement (5).

7. What’s wrong with the buggy? (7).

12. Better scatter round the pellets in the vegetable garden (8).

14. Love that is old is made new in it (7).

16. Points out he can heighten it (7).

18. Exhausted, forked out (5).

20. A duck caught by some wild animal (5).

21. Hide the little son with relations (4).

8

9

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11 12

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15

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19

18

20

21 23

22

25

24

Quick Puzzle ACROSS

NO. 004

1. Bled everyone in it white (8).

6. To help, brought round a cold tart (4).

8. Years after the man contrives to (4).

9. The dog having been given an outing, had a beer (8).

10. Possibly the least appropriate (5).

11. Left the dangerous creature in the garden shed (6).

13. Intended, if misbehaving, to swish the cane at (6).

17. The firm’s prepared to pamper one (6).

19. Figure the fellow on the outside is the best man (5).

22. A job you’ll like? Well done!

(4,4).

23. Is the number all right in the corner? (4).

24. Let damage (4).

25. Offered to look after a broken reed (8).

1

Sudoku

1.

6.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

15.

17.

19.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Native of Spain (8) Salver (4) Couple (4) Off-hand (8) Apportion (5) Capital city (6) Pure (6) Metal (6) Way (6) Vacant (5) Fuel (8) Country (4) Yearn (4) Sledge (8)

NO. 7953

DOWN

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

14.

16.

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20.

21.

Gem (5) Jittery (7) Chief (4) Diabolical (8) Claw (5) Flower (7) Vegetable (8) Axe (7) Rodent (7) Planet (5) Crown (5) Truncheon (4)

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4 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR:

MUCH-LOVED HEADMASTER CELEBRATES 93RD BIRTHDAY

BY FARIDA MASTER Between his wife Dawn and him they have taught for 101 years, says Kevin Peterson on the eve of his 93rd birthday.

Just a year younger than the Queen who will be celebrating her 94th birthday this week, the former principal of Cockle Bay School (1967-1984) says that he has lived on the same street in Howick for 62 years. “So many people who pass by my house wave out to me and often you have 40-year-old ex-students saying, ‘Sir do you remember me?’ ” says Mr Peterson.

“This morning one of our former students dropped in at our home to hand over a box of gloves, mask and sanitiser,” he says.

“My wife was a teacher at Cockle Bay School for 43 years. Then she made the mistake of marrying the headmaster,” he says of his wife of 60 years. “You ask any parent, and they will tell you that she was the best teacher they’ve ever had.

“In 1984, I moved from Cockle Bay School and taught one-on-one Maths to students who had difficulty at Saint Kentigern College. I retired as the age of 75. Prior to that, I was a teacher in Samoa.”

deliver milk before going to school. It didn’t upset me because families had to work very hard during the depression and all the kids used to work.”

He admits that even after 50 years, he still misses his mother who had great aspirations of her son becoming a teacher some day. “My only regret is that I graduated as a teacher in 1947 and my mother died in 1948. It’s been at the back of my mind for all these years that she didn’t really get to see me as a teacher.”

“But I’m very proud of the fact that my sons have done well. One is an engineer and the other a lawyer, and my grandchildren have also done very well academically.”

As for his 93rd birthday, he celebrated it with a box of chocolates that his granddaughter gifted him and a visit from Donald and Daisy Duck—organised by former student Bo Burns, a Howick businesswoman and Howick Local Board member - dressed up in costume to greet the much loved teacher on his 93rd birthday.

Another special memory is of the Fulbright scholarship awarded to him in 1972. “We got to go to Seattle with my wife and two sons for an entire year. In 1972 they gave me a permit to go the US for 364 days to teach in a school there. It was a fantastic experience,” he says.

Talking about the change in teaching methods, he says “These days education is all online and I am a dinosaur, an old-fashioned man, reading-writing- arithmetic person, who only knows how to switch on a TV with a remote,” he laughs.

Cockle Bay School was established on September 3, 1956 with a roll of 217.

The roll shot up to 796 in 1974 when Mr Peterson was principal.

“That’s the time they built Shelly Park School and some of the children went there,” he says.

To acknowledge the contribution he and his wife made at Cockle Bay School, a new school block containing six classrooms and a multi-purpose area was named the Peterson Block.

Mr Peterson says the highlight of his life was being a teacher.

Reflecting on his childhood he says he was brought up in The Great Depression. “Those were very hard times. We had very little money and at the age of 12, I was a milk boy. I used to

Bay School has been named The Peterson Block at Cockle Peterson and Dawn, his in after former headmaster Kev Times photo Wayne Martin wife of 60 years.

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 5

COUNCIL MUST HELP RATEPAYERS The head of a local ratepayers group wants is calling for the council to immediately come to the aid of residents about to be landed with their quarterly rates demands.

Steve Udy, chair of the Buckland’s & Eastern Beaches Residents & Ratepayers (BEBRR), has fired off a number of emails to the council demanding assistance is delivered with immediate effect as ratepayers struggle during lockdown enforced to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said there are major issues facing the wider Auckland population. “That, simply put, is loss of income for many who were tracking along quite well until the Covid-19 crisis,” Udy said.

“Now they have limited funds, a mortgage to pay, a family to feed, and

yet you and your team sit there and say we will look at this mid-late April.

“Quarterly rates demands (are) going out this month, so sort this lot out now. You don’t have the luxury of time.”

Udy estimated the average quarterly rates for Bucklands Beach would be around $1000-$1600.

“All (BEBRR members) are concerned about getting through Covid-19 all are saying give us a break on rates.

Council pay cuts are also emphasised too,” Udy said.

“Basically we are asking for immediate action by council to help ratepayers through the pandemic. They are too slow in responding basically because the impact on their cash flow is not catastrophic as it is for the general economy and the average man in the street.

“Council needs to think like Air NZ or Fletchers management and move rather than sit on their hands.”

6 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

Udy said many CEOs in other very large organisations have had to make hard calls immediately.

“When you look at 2016/17 figures for Auckland Council which indicate 7220 full time employees of which 1092 are on an income of $100k or more, there is immediate room for salary sacrifice at this time.

“I would also suggest it is a bad look for management if no immediate action is taken. “ “As I said in my letter to council, their income stream have not technically been cut but their customers’ – the ratepayers’ - have so I repeat, manup and make the hard calls, you can’t afford to delay.”

Council chief executive Stephen Town told the Times in light of the impact of Covid-19, the council will undoubtedly face some challenging decisions in the coming months.

“It is important for Aucklanders that we take the time to get this right and that we look at our financial position

Steve Udy

and consider the options that are available to us as a package,” said Town.

“Our focus at this time is to ensure the essential services provided by our staff continue to be delivered to Aucklanders through the lockdown period.

“Already we have paused all nonessential spending where it’s prudent to do so. This includes reducing our temporary and contract (contingent) workforce and pausing external contracts for non-essential services.

“In addition, all permanent staff recruitment is on hold until further notice, and any under-utilised permanent staff will be redeployed into roles currently filled by contingent workers.”

Last Friday he announced that the chief executives of Auckland Council and its five Council-controlled organisations (CCO) will take a pay cut of 20 per cent for the next six months.

In addition, board chairs, directors and

senior executives have volunteered to take the following pay reductions: The chairs of the boards of Regional Facilities Auckland, Auckland Transport, Watercare, Panuku Development Auckland and ATEED have all agreed to voluntarily reduce their board fees by 20 per cent for six months Directors of the agency boards will voluntarily reduce their board fees by 10 per cent for six months Council and CCO senior executives will take a voluntary pay cut of a minimum of 10 per cent for six months “A pay cut is the right thing for us to do in the current environment,” Town said.

“While this won’t have a big impact on the council’s financial position, it acknowledges that as leaders we need to play our part by showing solidarity with communities and businesses.”

Meanwhile the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is slamming the decision

not to consult on a rates freeze, but instead plow ahead with a 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent rates hike.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesperson Jo Holmes said, “Replacing a 3.5 per cent hike to general rates with a 2.5 per cent hike is a step in the right direction, but it’s pretty feeble.

It suggests that the council is only tinkering with its old spending priorities, when it needs to wake up to the new economic reality.”

“While the decision to suspend the accommodation providers targeted rate is welcome, that was inevitable.

Even Auckland Council can’t milk a dead cow.”

“A zero per cent rate hike is achievable with sensible cuts to payroll and slashing now redundant arms of Council such as ATEED. At the very least, this option should be put out for consultation alongside the others.

Of course, ratepayers will submit in favour of a rate freeze regardless of the so-called options councillors try to box submitters into.”

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 7

CAMPAIGN “LET’S NOT FORGET” UNDERWAY The RSA made the hard and historic call recently to postpone its Poppy Day appeal and cancel Anzac Day services across the country.

Never before have Kiwis had an April without Anzac Day Dawn Services and a sea of poppies – which is part of our fabric, identity and pride.

The country’s largest philanthropic entity, Perpetual Guardian, is making a rallying call for New Zealanders to support the RSA by donating to ‘Let’s Not Forget’ Kiwis are accustomed to seeing poppies adorning passers-by in the streets during the month of April and in the lead-up to Anzac Day services will miss this familiar sight while in lockdown.

This means the RSA is losing a vital opportunity to fundraise for its services which reach many thousands of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families in New Zealand.

as pport by donating Kiwis can either su book ce Fa eir th g nin or little as $1, or by ad ‘we a filter to show that profile image with own. kd loc is th ’ despite will remember them

They have 100 limited sets available of a commemorative Anzac tea towels and a Grow-your-own Poppy set that can be couriered out to people’s door. Five per cent of all sales goes back to The RSA. Contact bo@fundraisefactory.com

In view of the postponement of the national Poppy Day Appeal and Anzac Day services, Perpetual Guardian is leading the charge to support and help our heroes by contributing to this ‘Let’s Not Forget’ campaign.

This Givealittle campaign (givealittle. co.nz/fundraiser/letsnotforget) provides New Zealanders with a platform to honour our veterans and active military, preserving a deep part of New Zealand’s history while people are unable to come together for events or fundraise face-toface due to the lockdown.

The Perpetual Guardian Foundation is contributing $25,000 on behalf of their donors and this donation will go directly to the RSA along with public donations received via the Givealittle page.

In addition, Perpetual Guardian is donating $1500 towards the campaign as RSA needs these funds for its critical work to support veterans, the oldest of whom will be among the most vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19.

Perpetual Guardian founder Andrew Barnes says, “New Zealand, with the rest of the world, is living through a moment in history.

As we proceed with our nationwide

More locally, Howick early learning centre, The Learning Ladder, launched an Anzac Day fundraiser the week of lockdown.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS lockdown to break the chain and save lives, the government has advised that NZ Police will receive support from Defence Force personnel in order to keep Kiwis safe during the lockdown period.

“The extra work our current Defence Force members are doing here at home is a timely reminder of how much we have relied on our service people to protect us over the years – and now is the time to help our heroes in return.”

RSA National President BJ Clark says, “The RSA is pleased to be working with Perpetual Guardian on the ‘Let’s Not Forget’ campaign and thanks Kiwis in advance for any support they can give.

Our service people and their whanau have sacrificed so much for New Zealand, to protect our way of life – this campaign is a way we can give back and thank them.”

8 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7953 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Spaniard. 6, Tray. 8, Pair. 9, Cavalier.

10, Allot. 11, London. 13, Chaste. 15, Silver. 17, Street. 19, Empty. 22, Charcoal. 23, Iran. 24, Itch. 25, Toboggan.

Down - 2, Pearl. 3, Nervous. 4, Arch. 5, Devilish. 6, Talon. 7, Anemone. 12, Beetroot.

14, Hatchet. 16, Lemming. 18, Earth. 20, Tiara.

21, Club.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7953 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1,Bl-each-ed. 6, A-C-id. 8, (man)Ages.

9, Aired-ale. 10, Steal (anag.). 11, L-adder. 13, Fi-ance. 15, (picni)C-heese. 17, Co’s-set. 19, Cha-M-p. 22, Nice work. 23, No-OK. 24, Rent.

25, Tend-ered.

Down - 2, Light. 3, AB-stain. 4, He-ad. 5, Dereli-ct. 6, Adde-d. 7, Illness. 12, Beetr-oo-t.

14, I-dolis-e. 16, E-n-hance. 18, Spent. 20, Moo-se. 21, S-kin.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS

LEARN AND NEVER FORGET! While we may not be able to attend Anzac services this year, we can still honour the sacrifices of those to whom we owe so much by joining in on the RSA’s #StandAtDawn initiative. From our own driveways, we’ll remember them – see facebook.com/RSANational for details.

The venue of Auckland’s iconic Anzac dawn service, The Auckland War Memorial Museum will be playing its part to keep the flags flying. Although closed to the public, the museum will still play the Last Post, raise and lower its flags and the building will also be lit up in poppy red from dusk on April 24 until dawn on April 26.

In addition, the museum’s Online Cenotaph (accessible through aucklandmuseum.com) enables people to lay virtual poppies, read stories about returned service people, leave messages for loved ones who have served and more.

Many Kiwis have made the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate the birth of the legend of the Anzacs over the years. While that may not be an option this year, thanks to modern technology, we can all do so from the safety of our own homes. Using Google Street View (google.com/streetview), we can take a tour of Gallipoli’s cemeteries and memorials.

And, to ensure our little ones are kept busy, while giving the perfect opportunity to teach them a little about our Anzacs, see craftymorning.com/ category/memorial-day.

While this website has a host of crafty ideas – for budding craftspeople and veterans too – the egg carton poppy wreaths are perfect for April 25.

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 9

MP: STAND AT DAWN FOR OUR ANZACS Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown is imploring people to join him in a few minutes silence at 6am on Anzac Day. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to New Zealand, including the unfortunate cancellation of Anzac Day services, but this won’t stop Kiwis showing their appreciation for our fallen and returned service members, says Brown.

“Due to the restrictions on large events and gatherings, Anzac services across the country are sadly having to be cancelled in order to put the health and safety of New Zealanders first,” he says.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is a challenging time for us all, but nothing will stop us from showing our gratitude in other ways on Anzac Day.”

He says it will be a small yet powerful way to honour those who have served our country and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

“I am calling on everyone in the Pakuranga electorate to instead join in with the Stand at Dawn movement, which asks Kiwis to rise at 6am on Saturday April 25 and stand for a few minutes silence at the end of our driveways to show our respect.”

“Covid-19 presents an immense challenge for current generations to deal with both now and far into the future, but still pales in comparison to what our Anzacs faced on our behalf,” says Brown.

“I know that, as always rain or shine, Kiwis will Stand at Dawn to say thank you to our Anzacs.”

POLICE CALLED AFTER WORKERS SPAT AT Auckland Transport is appalled at two incidents in recent days involving attacks on staff and a contractor.

AT chief executive Shane Ellison says there have been two separate incidents where essential workers have been spat at. “We have staff working day and night to keep public transport operating and it’s distressing when they come under attack from members of the public.”

In an incident on a train on Friday April 17, three AT transport officers were spat at by a woman. “A couple were joy-riding

on our trains and were told to get off. As they were being escorted from the train, a female spat at three of our staff. Two men and a woman have had to be stood down as a result of this incident and have gone into isolation. This behaviour is totally unacceptable. The incident was caught on CCTV and the police now have that footage” said Ellison.

Mr Ellison says there was also a similar

incident on Wednesday night involving a security guard working for AT. “This man was spat at by a member of the public and again the police were called.

“Our staff and contractors are out there in all weathers ensuring that essential workers can get to their jobs and we cannot tolerate this sort of behaviour.

We are working with the police to ensure that our staff can do their job without being assaulted.

“It’s quite disturbing that a few people are acting like idiots, we’ve been getting some great feedback about the efforts that we have been making to get people around the city in these tough times but to have incidents like this is quite upsetting.”

During Alert Level 4 Auckland Transport is maintaining a weekend service on all public transport with physical distancing.

Public transport is free and is only to be used by essential workers and people going to medical appointments or doing shopping.

■■ Go to Auckland Transport’s COVID-19 site https://at.govt.nz/covid-19/

10 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

COVID-19: STAY HOME, SLOW DOWN, SAVE LIVES-POLICE Police are still at Covid-19 Alert Level 4 and have reiterated that people should not be on our roads unless they are accessing essential services or delivering essential services.

“Right now we all need to look out for each other and do what we each can to keep ourselves and others safe,” says Acting Superintendent Gini Welch, National Manager for Road Policing.

Police will be highly visible in the community and police patrols will continue throughout the country to help enforce the Alert Level 4 restrictions.

“This is not just about you, it’s about all the people around you,” says Welch. “If you have to drive or ride to get groceries or medicine, or to take these items to another person, please don’t speed because there are fewer vehicles on the road.”

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Senior Manager Road Safety Fabian Marsh says there are also many people cycling and walking to essential services and for exercise, and he urged drivers to stay alert and take care around cyclists and pedestrians.

“We know that people are maintaining physical distances at the moment when they’re out walking and cycling, and that is what we want to see. However, pedestrians and cyclists are also much more vulnerable to injury than drivers in a crash.

If you’re driving a vehicle it’s crucial to stay alert, slow down and give plenty of room when passing people on bikes or on foot.”

Welch says speed has the biggest impact on the outcome of a crash; whether you walk away or are carried away.

“It’s also a contributing factor in a third of all deaths on the road.

That is why police are maintaining our focus on speed. Lives have still been lost on the road during Alert Level 4.

“Unfortunately, we are still seeing people speeding, taking unnecessary risks.

While we’ve seen a significant decrease in the volume of traffic on the roads, some motorists are taking this as an opportunity to speed.

“There are lots of pedestrians and cyclists moving across our network at the moment, and this is unlikely to materially change at an alternative alert level – so please, be mindful of those around you, and slow down.

“Right now our emergency departments, our medical staff, and our first responders all need to be able to focus on Covid-19, not on people who risked their lives by driving recklessly.

“You will still see police out on the roads working hard to keep all of us safe so there is no added pressure on our already busy medical professionals. Drive or ride to the conditions and within speed limit, wear your seatbelt, put your phone away, and only drive sober and alert.”

We all need to take this seriously.

ACC Injury Prevention Team Leader for Road, Dave Keilty, echoes this saying don’t take unnecessary risks.

“Unless you are an essential worker stay off the roads as much as possible. If you do choose to drive or ride stay local.”

Be kind, save lives.

It’s not.

BASEBALL: LOCAL JUNIOR ABL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Auckland Tuatara relief pitcher Elliot Johnstone has been rewarded for his superb 2019-20 Australian Baseball League season by being named the league’s Rookie of the Year.

average of a tick over one run per game.

The right-hander featured in limited innings in the 2018-19 season making him eligible for rookie status last summer.

The Howick-Pakuranga junior won the Baseball New Zealand club nationals in March and was set to represent the New Zealand Diamond Blacks at the World Baseball Classic in the United States before the Covid-19 outbreak.

He bounced back from a tough initiation to put together a stunning season where he established himself as manager Stephen Mintz’ most reliable reliever.

The 21-year-old appeared in 12 games and earned a 4-1 record. He struck out 28 hitters and had an earned run

Johnstone didn’t concede an earned run until the second to last series of the season.

Johnstone has attracted some US interest and could well head over once the current lockdown is lifted.

He has re-signed with the Tuatara for the 2020-21 season.

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 11

SALLIES, RSA

WORKING FOR COMMUNITY The Salvation Army in Wellington Street, Howick, is making sure that no one falls through the cracks during these tough times is, giving out free food packets and bread to those in need.

BY FARIDA MASTER Louise Parry, territorial media officer Salvation Army, says that they have seen a 95 per cent increase in food parcel distribution by Salvation Army foodbanks during lockdown.

“We are very thankful to the many generous companies and individuals who are supporting New Zealand’s most vulnerable at this difficult time.

Also doing their bit to feed the more vulnerable and anyone who needs help is Howick RSA. Secretary/manager Scott Adams has been busy with chef Carl dishing out up to 1500-1600 frozen meals in the last two weeks of lockdown.

“It’s for anyone in the community who needs it. The meals could range from roast beef with roast vegetables to beef and chicken lasagne,” says Scott.

“We take orders on Monday and Tuesday and deliver the frozen meals on Thursday and Friday, it’s just three or four of us who do everything from taking orders to cooking and delivering the meals.”

sed at the Free food supplies being organi ick.

How in y Arm n Salvatio Photo supplied

You can order by phone or email 534 9702 extension 705 and leave a message and they will return your call to confirm. Or you can email stockadesrsa@gmail.com.

Orders placed on Monday and Tuesday by 4pm are delivered on Thursday.

For $7.50 a meal, Scott says he is happy that even young people are availing themselves of the service, he says.

Anyone wishing to donate can go to www.foodbank.org. nz to contribute to our online foodbank donations, or to www.salvationarmy.org.nz to find out how they can make a donation.

Times photo Wayne Martin

The feedback has been heartening.

From a 90-year-old who says she is so grateful and is waiting to give him a big hug once the lockdown period is over, to other heartfelt messages—he believes working round-the-clock has been well worth it.

frozen Chef Carl at Howick RSA preparing step. door your at ered meals which are deliv

12 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

NZ MOVING TO ALERT LEVEL 3 NEXT MONDAY New Zealand will move from Covid-19 Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 at 11.59pm on Monday April 27, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.

The country will stay in Alert Level 3 for two weeks before a further review and Alert Level decision on May 11.

“Going hard and early to stamp out the virus, backed by an effort of 5 million New Zealanders to break the chain of transmission, means together we have helped stop the uncontrolled explosion of Covid-19 in New Zealand,” Ardern said.

“On the recommendation of the Director General of Health, who is confident there is currently no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand, today we are able to take a balanced approach in transitioning through alert levels and restarting our economy.

“The sacrifices made to date have been huge. Cabinet wanted to make sure we lock in our gains, give ourselves some additional certainty, but take no more than two additional business days to do this before we restart our economy again.

advantage we can seize if we get this next phase right. And I believe we can.

“We want to see kiwis back in work as soon as possible and our economy rebound before others. At Level 3, 400,000 more New Zealanders will return to work, with key sectors for our recovery like construction, manufacturing and forestry starting up again.

“And remember that we remain at Level 4 until you wake up next Tuesday. Let’s stick with our plan and the mission we have. Stay strong, stay home, let’s finish what we started.

“Having our economy operating with a low threat of the virus is the competitive

“But at Level 3 we need to be even more vigilant and we must stick to the rules, continue to reduce contact and keep breaking the chain of transmission.

“I couldn’t feel prouder of the start we have made together. But I also feel a huge responsibility to ensure we do not lose any of the gains we have made,” Ardern said.

9 NEW CASES OF COVID-19;

NO ADDITIONAL DEATHS From Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health Today (Monday) New Zealand’s total number of Covid-19 cases has increased by nine, made up of seven new confirmed cases and two new probable cases.

There are no additional deaths to report and the total number of Covid-19 related deaths remains at 12.

Four of the cases we are reporting today will continue to be investigated for links to confirmed cases. The new combined total of confirmed and probable cases in New Zealand is 1440.

There are now 974 people with Covid-19 who have recovered – an increase of 62 on yesterday (Sunday).

Today there are 14 people in hospital

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

As at Monday, April 20, 2020

with Covid-19. The total includes three people in ICU – one each in Middlemore, Dunedin and North Shore hospitals. Two of these ICU patients are in a critical condition.

There are still 16 significant clusters – no change from yesterday. One additional case has been added to one of these clusters.

Yesterday 3081 Covid-19 tests were processed. The rolling 7-day average is 3354, and 86,305 total tests have been

processed to date. Over the weekend, there were a number of efforts around wider community testing by public health and primary care.

Waitemata DHB had test sites at two supermarket locations in Mangere and Henderson on Saturday. Over 400 samples were taken and have now come back with negative results.

As we have noted previously, this is similar to the results from previous testing in Queenstown and in locations across the Waikato.

Targeted community testing continues to be part of our ongoing surveillance against Covid-19, which helps provide us with assurance that there is not undetected community transmission.

As an example and following an earlier outbreak, one provider has now successfully prevented any further cases for 17 days. This is very good work.

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 13

SOME SIGNS OF DISRUPTION

FROM THE LOCKDOWN

➤➤ There were glimpses of the Coronavirus lockdown shock on housing market activity in March.

Sales nationwide were 5% down on March last year. But seasonally adjusted, sales were 18%mom lower. Sales will surely tumble by a much larger degree in April. ➤➤ Other metrics, such as house price growth and the median number of days to sell were still consistent of a strengthening market. But these will turn in the months ahead. ➤➤ We are forecasting house prices declines will trough at 9% year-on-year by the end of the year, similar in magnitude to the GFC. Moves by authorities to support the economy through the worst of the current crisis are expected to help avoid even larger house price falls.

Kiwibank Economics Team

Housing market data from Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) for March hints at the impact on the market following the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.

Kiwibank senior economist Jeremy Couchman said the housing market was building solid momentum in the opening months of 2020, which most likely flowed into the start of March.

“But sales activity looks to have hit the brakes at the end of the month when the lockdown was enforced,” said Couchman.

Total sales recorded by REINZ of 6866 were down 5 per cent year-on-year (yoy).

But seasonally adjusted sales recorded the largest drop since early 2008 at -16 per cent month-on-month.

Couchman said other housing market measures showed little evidence of a Covid-related hit.

“However, this will come in the months ahead. House price growth, according to the REINZ House Price Index (HPI), held steady in March up 9.3 per cent yoy from 8.7 per cent yoy in February – and the

14 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

highest rate of growth in three years.

“The median number of days to sell, a barometer of slack in the market, lifted three days to 33 when seasonally adjusted. Days to sell was in line with January’s figure and still consistent with a tight market.

“At this stage we are forecasting that house price falls will trough 9 per cent yoy down at the end of the year. Job losses and business closures will mount.”

He said vendors needing to sell in this environment will take lower prices, as previously motivated buyers are forced to sit this one out.

“A 9 per cent annual house price fall would be similar the low seen during the GFC. While the Covid-19 hit to the economy is much larger than the GFC, NZ does not suffer from an oversupply of houses,” Couchman said.

“In fact, we still have a shortage of affordable housing. Also, mortgage rates are at record lows. And the RBNZ (Reserve Bank of NZ) has moved to

ensure mortgage rates remain at or near record lows for a very long time.

cashflow of businesses and households, Couchman said.

“For instance, the Bank has cut the OCR to an effective lower bound of just 0.25 per cent. The RBNZ has also moved to purchase Government debt using its $33 billion Large-Scale Asset Purchase (LSAP) programme, anchoring interest rates throughout the economy.”

More fiscal policy support is likely too.

The Government has already committed around $20b of fiscal policy to support the

“The pullback in sales activity recorded at the national level was generally replicated across the regions,” he said.

“In Auckland, sales still managed to be 11 per cent up on March last year. However, sales activity had been recording much greater lifts in the preceding months.

e fall would nual house pric A 9 per cent an the GFC, says w seen during . be similar the lo my Couchman economist Jere Kiwibank senior “Seasonally adjusted sales fell 25 per cent month-on-month in March, a monthly fall not seen since the GFC.” House price growth was largely consistent with readings in February. However, some regions like Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne managed to stretch out stronger annual house price appreciation.

REINZ WELCOMES LEVEL 3 GUIDANCE FOR REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has welcomed the clarity from the government regarding how businesses, including real estate organisations, can safely operate during Alert Level 3.

Last Thursday’s announcement from the Government included the following detail about the real estate profession: ‘A real estate agent can open, but people should work from home if they can.

The agent can enter peoples’ homes, but not have customers in the office. You cannot run an open home... Similarly,

workers going into peoples’ homes, such as furniture removers, electricians and plumbers could also return, on the basis that distancing is maintained’.

“We welcome further clarification from Ministers over the coming days, in order to allow the real estate profession to support people buying or selling a home.

Bindi Norwell, chief executive at REINZ says: “Over the past few weeks REINZ has worked closely with the real estate profession to develop guidance on what real estate activity can occur at various levels.

“We’re also looking for additional clarification around whether private viewings of homes and rental properties are acceptable under Level 3,” she continues.

“This guidance was provided to different Ministers on 9 April and today’s clarifications seem to line up with the material we have prepared.

“Once we have this additional information, we will be releasing detailed guidelines for the profession in the coming days.”

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 15

ELECTORATE NAMES AND BOUNDARIES FINALISED The names and boundaries of the country’s electorates have been finalised for the next two general elections.

The Representation Commission has released its final report on the electorate boundary review which began six months ago in October. The proposed electorates were released for public comment in November. 438 written submissions were received and public hearings were held in February.

“Where possible, we have maintained existing electorate boundaries and no changes have been made to 36 electorates.

The boundaries of 30 general and 5 Maori electorates have been adjusted to some degree,” says Judge Craig Thompson, chair of the Representation Commission.

The number of electorates in the Auckland region has increased from 24 to 25. The new electorate is in South Auckland and its final name following public consultation is Takanini. The proposed name was Flat Bush.

The final name following public consultation is Takanini which is created by drawing population from Manurewa, the former Hunua electorate and Papakura and includes Wattle Downs and Takanini.

Population from Waikato is added to Hunua which is renamed Port Waikato. Adjustments have also been made to the boundaries of Waikato with Coromandel, Hamilton West and Taupo.

As a result of the public consultation process, a small area around Maungarei/Mount Wellington moves into Panmure-Otahuhu to maintain links with Panmure.

In total, there are 72 electorates – 65 general electorates and 7 Maori electorates.

The areas where there have been the most boundary changes are the Auckland region, Waikato, Christchurch, Otago and Southland.

“There are name changes for 11 electorates.

The names were either proposed by us or suggested in public submissions to better describe the redrawn electorate areas,” says Judge Thompson.

“Now the boundaries and names have been finalised, we’d encourage people to go to www.vote.nz to check which electorate they are in.”

The final electorates can be viewed

16 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

through interactive mapping at www. vote.nz.

Electorate maps and the Report of the Representation Commission 2020 can be downloaded from the website.

LOCKDOWN IN PICTURES Award-winning Times photographer Wayne Martin has been capturing images in and around our area during lockdown.

Above, Beachlands residents Maria, James and Lottie Currell with their teddy bear display. Cuddly creatures are being displayed in community home windows as part of the Bear Hunt, something to put a smile on children’s faces as they are out exercising during the Covid 19 lock down in New Zealand; top right, a very quiet Pakuranga Rd.

Above, locals were out exercising on Maraetai Beach; below, an eery silence has fallen upon the Waitamata Harbour, not a vessel to be seen.

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 17

SALTED BUTTERSCOTCH & E L B M U R C C A Z N A E L P P A Z JAZ This recipe really does take (away) the biscuit! Developed by Gretchen Lowe (of My Weekend Table fame) this recipe uses new season JAZZ apples to create a tangy-sweet (but not too sweet) dessert.

Serves four – six

Filling

INGREDIENTS

• 6 Jazz apples, peeled, cored and chopped • 2/3 cup caramel (Gretchen suggests Highlander caramel) • Pinch of sea salt • 30g butter, chopped

Topping • 1/2 cup flour • 1/4 cup brown sugar • Pinch sea salt • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 100g cold butter cubed • 1/2 cup rolled oats

ingredients to resemble breadcrumbs.

Stir in the oats and place the mix in the fridge.

METHOD

Chop apples. Toss chopped apples well with the caramel sauce and salt. Split the mixture between four – six ramekins, top each with a knob of butter then sprinkle the oaty topping evenly, over each one.

Preheat the oven to 180C. For the topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Add the butter cubes and rub into dry

Bake for 40-50 minutes until the apples are bubbling and the crumble is golden brown. Serve with plenty of ice cream.

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BUBBLE Boredom Beaters WE NEED A HERO! Actually, Uxbridge is calling out for as many heroes as possible to be celebrated through its Lockdown Heroes children’s art competition.

Tasked with depicting every day heroes who are working through the lockdown for our community, children can use almost any medium, from painting to sculpture, film and more. The best works will be displayed at Uxbridge Arts & Culture Centre in Howick in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future. ➤➤For details or to enter, visit www.facebook.com/events or www.uxbridge.org.nz/event-category/ upcoming-gallery-exhibitions. Do hurry, however, as entries close May 8.

TOUR THE GLOBE Take this lockdown opportunity to tour the world while stuck at home! Use a globe, atlas or map to pick out fantasy trips – from Disneyland to Denmark’s Legoland.

Talk about why you want to travel there and what you’d do, even if you make it all up. Check out National Geographic’s website for stories and stunning pictures of destinations both far-flung and domestic – the site’s kids’ page is also packed with suggestions. Bring Rome’s colesseum alive with stories of gladiator times, check out the musical fountains of Dubai and explore the ice cream stands, sandpits, pony rides, vintage miniature sailboat rentals, and puppet shows in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris– little ones will love it.

But there so much more in the most unexpected of places – island adventures, mystery castles, wildlife reserves, water wonderlands – mind travel is fun too.

E H T E K A T I M A G I R O E G N E L L A CH Learning origami – the traditional Japanese art of paper folding – can be fun and challenging. There are scores of designs ranging from birds, flowers and animals through to boxes, toys, stars and more. Some are extremely easy; others take more time and skill. Start with the easy ones such as the lady bug, sail boat, pelican or blossom then move on to more challenging projects such as the four pointed star, sitting dog or lily; there are a multitude of designs to keep little hands busy. Check online origami sites; you’ll find clear concise instructions, images and difficulty ratings. As long as you have paper (virtually any kind), origami is a go for the whole family.

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 19

BIG BEAR TJ KEEPS

BUSY DURING LOCKDOWN Lockdown has been a testing time for us all, particularly for those with children looking for ways to keep them entertained. The national Bear Hunt has been a huge hit with teddies appearing in windows throughout our neighbourhoods. Some in our community, like Troy Baker in Howick, have gone a step further with big bear TJ who has been striking a different pose every day.

“We’ve been trying to do our thing for the kids.

TJ has been chilling out doing his best to keep busy,” says Troy. Keep it up Troy and TJ – and stay safe everyone.

20 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

‘OLD’ TRUTHS! this delightful They say laughter is the best medicine and in these Covid-19 times surely to the max Pam Ayres poem will prompt more than a few chuckles. Those who lived life much later during the 60s and 70s will likely relate to some of its content. Those born may learn a thing or two about their parents and grandparents!

I’m normally a social girl I love to meet my mates, But lately with the virus here We can’t go out the gates.

You see, we are the ‘oldies’ now We need to stay inside, If they haven’t seen us for a while They’ll think we’ve upped and died.

They’ll never know the things we did Before we got this old, There wasn’t any Facebook So not everything was told.

We may seem sweet old ladies Who would never be uncouth But we grew up in the 60’s – If you only knew the truth!

There was sex and drugs and rock ‘n roll, The pill and miniskirts;

We smoked, we drank, we partied And were quite outrageous flirts.

Then we settled down, got married And turned into someone’s mum, Somebody’s wife, then nana, Who on earth did we become?

We didn’t mind the change of pace Because our lives were full, But to bury us before we’re dead Is like a red rag to a bull!

So here you find me stuck inside For four weeks, maybe more, I finally found myself again Then I had to close the door!

It didn’t really bother me I’d while away the hour, I’d bake for all the family But I’ve got no bloody flour!

Now Netflix is just wonderful I like a gutsy thriller, I’m swooning over Idris Or some random sexy killer.

At least I’ve got a stash of booze For when I’m being idle, There’s wine and whiskey, even gin If I’m feeling suicidal!

So, let’s all drink to lockdown To recovery and health And hope this bloody virus Doesn’t decimate our wealth.

We’ll all get through the crisis And be back to join our mates, Just hoping I’m not far too wide To fit through the flaming gates!

– Pam Ayres – Times for Us Girls TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 21

Haircut heroes or epic fails?

We want to see your lockdown haircut pictures – successes and failures.

We also want to see what happens when you have no way of getting a trim.

Share your success and failure photos with us at res facebook.com/timesonlinenz and the one that secu d the most likes/comments will win this neat prize value at RRP $169 thanks to Remington.

Most of the retail outlets and businesses in our communities are closed – including our barbershops but that’s no reason to go to the dogs right? Not an issue – we know blokes out there – young and old – have been turning to their bubble comrades for haircuts from largely unqualified family members, friends or partners. With the prospect of exiting Alert Level 4 to perhaps Level 3 still more than a week away, the likelihood of seeing a real barber could still be some way off.

win

Whatever your grooming needs, you will have all bases covered with this 20 piece Barber’s Best AllIn-One Grooming Kit from Remington that delivers ultimate precision and outstanding performance.

Engineered for beard, hair and body grooming, now you can style and perfect your look with one tool.

INCLUDES: • Professional wide T-blade for ultra close trimming and edging • 20mm detail head for trimming sideburns and moustaches • Full size foil shaver for a close shave above your beard

• 7mm Detail head for precision trimming of nose, ear and eyebrow hair • Adjustable stubble comb (1.55mm) • 9 x Trimming guides (1.5-25mm) for beard, head and body

• Charging stand • Premium storage pouch • Cleaning brush • Lubricating oil

*Prize will be sent after lockdown ends

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 13

In or out of hibernation Ketz-Ke has the answer for comfort and cute winter wear.

Suit yourself in sensational casual numbers – playful power pantsuits can take you out and about whether it’s a lockdown walk, or for lockdown recovery.

Check out the Conquer jacket and Seeker pant (top right), set with puff sleeve detailing and a striking side seam stripe to make its mark. Layer over the soft striped Ladder Skivvy for a look that will stay the season.

Earthy tones are a winter must, so chill out in the Pursue jacket and Nominate pant – rich in khaki stretch cotton (top left), this suit takes comfort (and cute) to a whole new level. For those trans-seasonal style, layer leisure suits with the Incentive (left) or Intervene (right) tops to ensure your look remains chic even after the jacket comes off!

TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 23