This issue was meant to include some more information about exploring Karangahake Gorge but with recent events of floods, slips & earthquakes we decided to gather civil defence information that you could cut out and put on your fridge
Taking the editor's note this month, Vanessa has some thoughts on neighbourhood networks in a time of emergency.
With so much intense weather causing catastrophic damage we thought maybe mother nature was done, and then there was the latest earthquake Waking suddenly to 'that' noise and shaking with the horrible question flashing through your mind 'how big and long is this going to be?' is never a nice feeling Fortunately it was short but strong, it left me thinking about my whānau, my neighbours, and our emergency plan We personally didn't have anything in place On page 13 we have pulled together info and links with some infographics so you can get your whānau and immediate community prepared.
"Is
Our local Hidden in the Hills or Waihi Facebook pages often get the question "Is the Gorge open?" I confess to having asked this seemingly benign question, but beware to the new Waikino/Waihi resident This question can bring a backlash quicker than a wet fish being slapped in your face from an angry warthog Say what? Sorry, wrong group Where was I ... ah yes, the question.
With recent weather events this question has come up on the daily, and there can be the odd comment frustrated by this seemingly lazy request, but looking into it, is in fact one of the best ways to know up to date information Waka Kotahi can take a couple of hours to update the site Whereas wonderful locals stuck at a slip can, with reception permitting, let us know within minutes of a problem happening The Hauraki District Council Facebook page will have pinned posts in such an event with road information kept up to date: https://www.facebook.com/haurakidistri ctcouncil
Having my own road suffer a massive slip damage, the ones to let us know were our neighbours who then let the council know I guess everyone is just using the most up to date source, and often that is a neighbourhood network And as we go to print It is open!
Ngā mihi mo te panui! Thanks for reading!
THE WAIKINO WHISPER? KEI TE HIA TAUTOKO KOE I NGĀ KOHIMU O WAIKINO?
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Final deadline: 3 March 2023
Distribution: 9–11 March 2023 Email:
It's enough to make some of us smirk and choke, but Valentine's Day is coming up on the 14th of February, and apparently it's a great time to show someone how much you care. That is, if you're into annual displays of affection Imagine if you could do it without buying stuff they don't want or need? We've pulled together some ideas for a low key, low waste day of love based around the five love languages. The five love languages is a book from American Gary Chapman, centred around the theory that people give and receive love in different ways. The idea is that if you can determine yours and others' love language, it will help you to connect and grow closer as you can attempt to meet their needs and communicate your own
The receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and the effort behind the gift It's difficult to give advice here - because for this language you'll need to really think about the person and the perfect gift If they're a keen gardener it might be a garden tool, if they love a bath it might be some homemade bath salts (see here:
https://vegangela com/2012/12/23/homemadebath-salts/) For this love language, not giving a gift might be disastrous
Being there with undivided attention for this type of person is crucial Plan a picnic or have a phone/tech free day together A simple walk and a chat can be perfect for someone who needs quality time Going out somewhere for dinner (see the Falls Retreat special dinner) might help to remove distractions like children, technology, or the responsibility of doing the dishes!
This person likes a physical closeness That could be holding hands, putting your arm around them in public, hugs or kisses This isn't the type of lover you want to Zoom or video call with Keeping it PG, a shower of hugs, kisses, or a neck massage will probably go a long way on Valentine's Day
If you are keen to find out what your love language is, or learn more, there is an online quiz you can take. More information is available at www
Words of Affirmation
This is the ultimate zero waste, zero cost love language All it takes are positive words to this lover Let them know how much you appreciate them It's not just "I love you," that's important, it's the reasons you love them and the impact they make on your life Poetry is a great gift here, and if you're not a poet yourself, maybe you could recite a poem that connects you to them
Acts of Service
BY SARAH HOLMES LTDAnything you can do to help this person will likely be welcomed. What's bugging them at the moment? Perhaps you could show them love by weeding their garden, making them a cup of tea, or helping them clear out their garage? Do the washing, mop the floor, take the dog for a walk, the list goes on.
Now you've read this, you might realise that as humans we all have tendencies to all of the love languages in one way or another For most people there are one or two that are a much stronger need than others I think you can probably manage to have the perfect Valentine's Day, if you really think about someone, who they are, and what makes them unique
Some other low waste gift ideas include:
homemade baking or treats, flowers from local producers, food from local suppliers, vouchers for their favourite store, cafe or restaurant, experiences such as workshops, high ropes courses, adventures, trips away together, plants or seeds.
I watched the old woman. carefully
she cut her cake in half smiling; she said.
‘I've saved the last piece for you’ and passed it to him I watched the old man take the cake. carefully he cut the cake in half smiling; he said.
‘I've saved the last piece for you’ and passed it back
and so their lives went.
By Art JohnstoneThe Falls Retreat is hosting a special Valentine's Day dinner on Tuesday the 14th of February
The best way to their heart might be through their stomach, and it'll surely be satisfied with a 4 course degustation set menu including a complimentary welcome drink on arrival at $125 per person Bookings only - book online at www fallsretreat co nz
After a pause last year (due to COVID), the annual Waikino cricket match is back! This will be the 75th annual cricket shield challenge between Waikino and Auckland It's always a great day, with food, drink, and family fun Bring your sunscreen (hopefully), hat, and chair, togs for the waterslide and have a fab day out:
When: Saturday 11th Feb 11am
Where: Waikino Recreation Reserve (enter at the junction of Seddon St and Waitekauri Rd - opposite Edward St) Cost: Free! Bring cash for raffles, tasty food and drink.
Time for another "Art group" session at the Victoria Hall! Come and have a chat, share ideas, or use it as time to get cracking on your latest project. We will provide the table, bring your own project to work on All varieties of art welcome
When: Sunday, 12 February 2023 from 10am
Where: Victoria (Waikino) Hall
Cost: Free (bring your own supplies/lunch)
We have extended hours for February - Open Thursday dinner, Friday and Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch only for 'The Feast' set menu On the 12th of February there will be no lunch service due to two workshops being held:
9:30am - Full Monty Gardening Workshop - Our most comprehensive workshop covering all the fundamentals of growing healthy nutrient dense veggies
10am - Master Class in Salads and Dressings - Experience our Salad & Dressings masterclass that takes you from the garden to the dinner table no matter what the season
There is also a special Valentine's dinner on 14 February, see page 3 for details. Visit www fallsretreat co nz to book, and for alternative dates
Where: The Falls Retreat, 25 Waitawheta Road, Waitawheta
Sarah Spicer, Liam Ryan, and Amir Yussof are back with blues, soul, a bit of rock, and a lot of jazz
When: 26 February 2023, 5pm-8pm
Where: Paeroa Maritime Park, 6894 Puke Road, SH2, Paeroa
Cost: Adults $25 Children (3-14) $15, Family (2 adults, 2 children)
$70 Tickets are available for purchase here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2023/feb/music-in-park-spicer
HIGHLAND
When: 11 February 2023, 9am-9pm
Where: Paeroa Domain, Willoughby Street, Paeroa
Cost: Adult early bird Tickets $18 online, save $7 a ticket by purchasing online Adult Tickets at the Gate $25, Gold Card holders at the Gate $20 Children under 15 are free with an accompanying adult Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/2023-paeroa-highland-gamestattoo-tickets-476280195887
Naomi Wheeler, Sheryl White and Guests Opening night will feature nibbles, drinks and live music
When: Opening 23 February, 5-7pm. Runs until 20 March 2023
Where: Waihi Arts Centre and Museum
Cost: Free!
If you're into tasty smoked meats and hot chillies, this event is for you. Up in Smoke has returned for 2023 after a successful first event in 2022 There'll be live music, a BBQ smoked meat competition, and also the ever popular heat of the Chilli Eating Championships. This year will also include a new competition and world record attempt of hot dog eating, and also a kids cooking competition If you would like to enter any of the competitions, or run a stall, or sponsor the event, please email the team at upinsmoke0121@gmail com and BBQ competition entrants please contact Adam Matete 0211978617. All proceeds from the event will go to the Ngatea Community Pantry
When: Saturday, 18 February 2023, 10am
Where: Hugh Hayward Domain, Ngatea
Cost: Free for spectators, $20 to enter BBQ smoked meat competition, $5 entry to NZ Chilli Eating Champs
Whether you're an experienced embroiderer or a complete beginner, if you would like to experience the joy of producing a stitched piece that is unique then this class is for you Slow stitching or improvisational stitching is a great mindfulness activity There is no right or wrong and nothing is too difficult Play with muted tones or a riot of colour It's up to you (with some guidance if you prefer).
When: Starts Thursday, 9 February 2023 from 10am-1pm
Where: 4 Mataura Road, Waihi
Cost: $120 for 6 classes (monthly)
All materials are provided and you will complete a book, scroll or a piece of work that you can frame. Please phone or text Rona on 027 220 1426 to book your place on the course
See the former Swamp Thing rocker and Solo Acoustic Maestro Grant Haua in his final form, reunited with his Swamp Brother Michael Barker on Drums and Hurricane Elis' Brian Franks on bass, a night of acoustic and electric fretwork fireworks that's not to be missed Kicking off proceedings with an Awa Blues acoustic solo set Grant will present his deep timbre soul blues vocals/acoustic guitars and foot percussion (Cajon/snare) This performance relates heavily to his Maori culture which are at the heart of these songs. Grant wants the audiences to feel like they're guests in his home and like the songs, his home is pretty simple but it's warm and friendly So welcome
When: Saturday, 18 February 2023 from 8pm-10:30pm
Where: The Refinery, 5 Willoughby Street, Paeroa
Cost: Pre sales $30 from The Refinery, and online with Eventfinda Door sales on the night $40 Contact Nicky info@the-refinery co nz phone 07 862 7678
If you love your V8s and motorcycles this show promises to deliver big Whether your browsing to buy or just want to appreciate such beautiful machines Alongside what you would be expecting there is also entertainment, live band, fashion show, food stalls and prizes Swap meets are $15 and from 8am
When: Saturday, 18 February 2023 from 8pm –10:30pm
Where: The Refinery, 5 Willoughby Street, Paeroa
Cost: Pre sales $30 from The Refinery, and online with Eventfinda Door sales on the night $40. Contact Nicky info@the-refinery.co.nz phone 07 862 7678.
New trial rubbish and recycling bins have been installed in Waihi, Paeroa and Ngatea These bins are for doing the right thing while you're out and about - not for household rubbish The Council reminds us to only put glass bottles in the glass recycling - no broken glass or window panes The bins are located in the following spots, Waihi: In front of the Memorial Hall, Paeroa: Near the public toilets at Railway Reserve, Ngatea: Next to NT Cafe & Bakery
Unfortunately due to the amount of rain, the organisers of the Abracadabra Festival (The Busy Movement) had to cancel the event advertised in the last Waikino Whisper The good news is that it will be combined into another planned festival in March, with two stages of music all weekend long including house, techno, reggae, funk, soul, dub, bass house, downtempo, organic house, tribal afro, disco, hip hop, live music and more! Full western cowboy/cowgirl theme with a magical touch. Think golden glam, funky vintage and cool classic Silliness and banter is welcome!
When: Gates open Friday 3 March at 2pm Friday - Music starts over two stages from 4pm, Saturday - Music 9am till Sunday 5pm over 2 stages, gates close Sunday 5 March, 6pm
Where: Secret location (address on tickets), Paeroa, NZ
Cost: Varies depending on length of visit, see https://sice co nz/eventsguide/event/ponderosa-ranch-the-future-2023 for tickets
Good luck to all of the year 6 leavers - we hope you have the best time at your new schools, making lifelong friends and having great memories of your time at Waikino School.
In our January issue we reported that Molly King won the Robinson's Cup for outstanding effort in academic achievement, but we missed that she also won the Principal’s Graduate profile award for the person who embodies the Waikino School spirit Molly embodies the values we hold dearest at Waikino School She is kind, loyal, creative, playful and above all else she is inclusive and supportive of others. It has been a privilege to have walked beside you as you have journeyed through your time at Waikino You have grown into a truly self-directed learner and we know your pathway ahead will be full of success and lots of fun.
The holiday boredom is over, and the kids are back to it. We say haere mai to a new teacher to the Waihou Hub this year – Verity Watson. Welcome!
This term we'll be having a couple of bush sleepovers in te ngahere - very exciting to be camping out in our special place
School starts at 8:45am If you are later than this, please ensure your child lets Jenni know in the office that they're here If your child is going to be absent you can call the office or text 021 086 93371
Summer might turn up yet
Pōtae (hats) are compulsory for term 1, and sunscreen should be applied before coming to school (there is some at school for top up during the day). It's swimming season, so please ensure named togs and towel are brought to school every day
Natural and recycled resources
If you have any of these that could be used for crafts, please think of the school - this includes things like small boxes, lids, material scraps, paper, sticks, stones, shells, leaves, pinecones
Assembly
These will now be 2:15pm on Fridays
Stationery lists for 2023 are available on the school's website: https://www waikino school nz/notices
Set on a spacious 2023sqm (approx) section is this quaint twolevel home featuring vaulted ceilings over the open plan living, dining and kitchen, wood features, two good sized bedrooms, with one on each level plus a mezzanine floor. The property is private and tranquil with established leafy trees, a beautiful stream, plenty of room for the kids to play and huge opportunity to add value as well as the potential to subdivide (subject to consent). The property is being sold 'AS IS WHERE IS' and will attract a lot of attention, so be in quick.
Brooke Edwards Eves Waihi, 0274355905 / 07 863 2288 / brooke.edwards@eves.co.nz Licensed Under the REA 2008
In December we shared a copy of the Waikino Whisper from July 1994, with a story about the old shop and post office. The article triggered a flood of memories and photos from locals, so we thought we'd share some stories here so others can learn and remember the old post office of Waikino.
A decision by the Post Office authorities not to rebuild the post office when it was swept down the Ohinemuri River in the 1981 flood was not taken kindly by Waikino residents However, residents did support the establishment of a new post office, and donated money, materials and labour towards the project In 1981 a new site on high ground was selected behind the current Waikino Station and Cafe The Waikino Post Office pictured was obtained from the Huntly Power project, and set on Department of Conservation land The building was adapted by a local builder, Glen Rangiuia with help from locals, and the new Post Office was officially opened the following year in 1982 A senior citizen Mrs Ruby Olney, who came to the district in 1901 aged 7 years, cut the ribbon and Mrs Doris Campbell broke a bottle of champagne on a verandah post to mark the occasion
"Those were good times in Waikino."
member Bert Reurich offered to run the service at the post office for the contract price of $2800 per year, paid by NZ Post (approximately $5500 in today’s dollars) Opening hours were reduced to 3pm-5pm, Monday to Friday, and bread and milk continued to be available. The NZ Post contract allowed for the paying of the power bill, but not enough for rates and maintenance
Ultimately, the post office and shop closed, with more residents moving to rural delivery In September 2004 the building was relocated by Edwards Transport from its spot above the Waikino Station. It was moved to the Waitawheta Camp, where it is now used as a bus drivers sleep out The land it used to occupy is being cleared and native planting is to go in
This story includes information from multiple sources, including the Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 28, September 1984, Waikino Whisper (1994), True Tales of Waikino and Waitekauri (Waikino Did Not Die, by Bev Stubbs), Helen Wilson, Brian Habberfield, and all who joined the conversation online We love hearing your memories of special places in Waikino
The difference in the Summer season experienced by the North and the South Island could not be more dramatic! Summer seems to have missed us in Waikino this year, other than the odd sunny day to remind us we are actually in the Southern Hemisphere. My heart goes out to those in Auckland and elsewhere experiencing flooding, slips and power outages. The South Island will be wishing just a portion of that rain would head their way. Nature can be a very cruel teacher
If you are lucky enough to have your tomato plants outgrow their stakes or get too high to harvest from conveniently, you can pinch out the tip of the plant so the energy goes into ripening the fruit Remove some of the excess leaves to prevent disease and allow the sun to get to the fruit Zucchini, cucumber and pumpkin (Cucurbits) are particularly prone to powdery mildew Remove affected leaves immediately and liquid feed with Ocean Organics Seaweed Foliar Spray My outdoor tomatoes are dismal and will probably come out in the next couple of weeks It's times like these I am very grateful to have a greenhouse It offers a slightly more controlled environment and provides the necessary warmth for fruit ripening
As your crops are coming to an end cut them off at the base leaving the roots in the ground to break down and feed the next crop You can then plant some swift turn around crops (mizuna, cress, lettuce, rocket, radishes) or think about a cover crop (lupin, buckwheat or phacelia), something that will nourish the soil in preparation for hungry winter brassicas or garlic
I know it seems crazy to be thinking about what we want to be eating in winter when some of us are still waiting for summer crops to ripen, but that's exactly what we need to be doing. Things slow down dramatically when temperatures drop, so a couple of months of solid growth before things start to cool will give us brassicas (cauliflowers, cabbages, broccoli and kale) in winter just when we want them. Now is the time to get sowing and planting
Sow coriander and rocket (still in shadier spots for now), basil, parsley, spring onions, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, leeks, dwarf beans, lettuce, bok choy, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, celery, fennel, spinach, silverbeet and chard Flowers include anise hyssop, borage, calendula, chamomile, cornflowers, dianthus, larkspur, nigella love in the mist and snapdragons
Collect any flower seeds that are starting to finish and dry Coriander, dill, fennel and parsley are perfect left to go to seed, then you can simply fling the dried seeds around the garden again (don't go too crazy with the parsley unless you want a carpet of it!)
Easy veggies for slightly m seed saving include basil carrots and spinach. You room to allow plants to d out the ones you don't wa from and let the best dev plants the more genetic diversity Often I let my favourite lettuces naturally drop their seed and produce seedlings, which I then lift and move into a fresh bed You can save capsicum and tomato seed from your best fruit, by scooping ou paper towel to dry I find seeds around in a jar of w days to separate the pulp before tipping onto the p most effective Leave bea dry until they rattle Other paper bag when they are dry Ensure the varieties you are saving are heirloom or open pollinated and label everything!
Do all pruning and root crop sowing (carrots, parsnips, beetroot) this week Continue to harvest onions and garlic when the tops have browned off and it's time to secure your garlic seed
Happy growing,
Produced by Riverton Organic Group is this chart that you can put on your fridge. You can buy these from Nicki $10 +pp
6th 11th - 17th 18th - 23rd 24th - 3rd
Full Moon Cultivate Only Liquid feed
Good for all root crops carrots, onions potatoes
Sow Grass
Last quarter Barren Period
Low vitality avoid planting sowing
Put in all root crops swedes, carrots, flowers and grass seed
New Moon Dig and Cultivate Rising vitality
Do odd jobs
First Quarter Most prolific No root crops
Peas, beans, cauliflowers, cabbage, tomatoes pumpkin, Don't prune
Apply liquid feed just before Full moon
www.oceanorganics.co.nz
Caponata is an old Sicilian classic that makes a good knock up for sunday brunch At this time of the year you'd hope would be an abundance of these ingrediants around the garden Char some sourdough, drop some capanata into the mix with toasted pinenuts, fresh basil and a splash of olive oil, your laughing.
For the Caponata salsa
50-100ml olive oil
2 large Aubergines, cut into 2cm cubes
2 celery sticks, diced
1 red pepper cut into diced
1 long shallots, diced
2 large plum tomatoes, roughly chopped
25ml red wine vinegar
2 tsp capers rinsed
50g raisins
Squeeze lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Toasted pine nuts and ripped basil leaves to finish
For the bruscetta
2 slices sourdough
olive oil, for drizzling
1 garlic clove
1 Start with a large sautee pan preferably with a heavy base. Over a medium heat pour in the olive oil and when it's got abit of heat add the aubergines frying them until golden Romove aubs with a slotted spoon and bring them out into a colander giving them a light seasoning with sea salt before putting them onto a paper towel Your going to give the same treatment to the diced celery and pepper sauteeing until you've bought the sweetness out, a few minutes will do Your left with hot olive oil in the bottom of the pan so toss in your chopped shallots and sautee for a pinch until they are soft and translucent. Drain of any excess oil and add the tommys and vinegar in with the shallots
Bring to a simmer before adding the capers, aubergines, celery and peppers back to into the mix If the mix is a little dry
add a couple of tablespoons of water to loosen Cover with a lid Cook over a simmer for 10 mins stirring occasionally so as not to break up the sauce to much
What you've got is a fragrant sauce that has a sweet sour nose to it
Off the heat toss in the raisins check the seasoning adjusting with the parsley, lemon juice and salt.
2 Leave to cool slightly while you make the bruschetta Heat a grill pan, drizzle the bread with olive oil toast lightly until charred on both sides, then rub with a garlic clove and season Spoon the warm caponata onto charred sourdough scattered with the basil leaves and pine nuts, with bruschetta on the side Even a good chunky finisher for a beautiful slab of fish on the bbq
TO THROUGH TRAFFIC 8 FEBRUARY - 19 APRIL 2023
The recent weather event means urgent work is required to replace two culverts on Pukekauri Road, Waikino Replacing them now will help futureproof the road and help avoid any sudden failure in severe weather events The work site will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the ten-week project Pukekauri Road residents and emergency services will still have full access to properties at all times, but some detours may be necessary, depending on the location of the property in relation to the road works. A detour for through traffic will be in place via Waitawheta Road or State Highway 2 The Council has engaged MS Civil to complete the work with a project cost of $820,000 Setup will begin on Tuesday 7 February with the road closure to through traffic in effect from Wednesday 8 February – 19 April 2023. Traffic management will be in place and operating throughout the project
Thank you for your patience, particularly to the Pukekauri Road residents, while this important work is completed If you have any concerns or queries relating to this project, please contact Hauraki District Council on 0800 734 834 (in district) or 07 862 8609 or email info@haurakidc govt nz
As you can see from Dave Cole's monthly rainfall figures, we've had a fairly wet summer. The wild weather caused many events to be cancelled, including the One Love music festival at Mount Maunganui, and Elton John concert at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland Sadly, we were reminded how serious a weather event can be, with four deaths in Auckland
Pictured below is Waitekauri Road, where a tree branch crossed the road during the recent storm event on 27 January Thankfully the Waihi Fire Brigade promptly relocated the branch. The Kopu-Hikuai Road will be closed for quite a while, as the road structure completely collapsed We saw slips over the Coromandel, and the Ohinemuri river was filled to the brim! An regularly occurring slip near Crown Hill Road in Karangahake caused traffic build up There was a huge slip on Golden Cross Road, which took it to a single lane. Golden Cross Road was then closed days later for a time to remove a huge amount of material This slip has now been cleared
649mm
Lots of interesting books, second hand and new! Local artist cards, puzzles, and more.
Pop up generally summer opening hours from 10am – 4pm, Fri – Mon
For information from Hauraki District Council in an emergency go to
Our Facebook page
https://www facebook com/haurakidistrictcouncilyou do not have to be a Facebook member to view information
Council website: https://www hauraki-dc govt nz
Stay in the loop e-newsletters - sign-up and select the topic Civil Defence
Radio – Radio New Zealand, Newstalk ZB, Classic Hits To find radio frequencies in your area go to frequencyfinder co nz
National emergency messages are posted on the National Emergency Management Agency website:
https://www civildefence govt nz/
Local Powercuts:
https://www powerco co nz/outages
Road Closures in the Waikato:
https://www journeys nzta govt nz/waikato/trafficupdates
If you see a new road slip you can report it at this number: 0800 44 44 49
River Floods and levels: https://www waikatoregion govt nz/ /regiona /floodroom/
Weather updates: MetService
https://www metservice com/warnings/home
Chat to Hauraki District Council about joining or starting a community response group - email info@hauraki-dc govt nz attention
Brett OttoCommunity Response Plan
A community response plan is a plan that a community group writes and owns which describes how the community will be self sufficient for the first 72 hours of an emergency It makes sure the community has access to basic safety needs, including: Shelter, food, medical care and sanitation.
Realising after the earthquake that I was being a bit laissez-faire with our emergency response, we immediately made sure we had diesel for the generator, and got a medical kit together in a bag with blankets, water and insurance details, phone charger, batteries, torch On reading the advice from civil defence we need to get a radio - though our cars would be able to do that job.
I then rang around my immediate neighbours who we could potentially be reliant on for support for hours or even days if our road became inaccessible, to discuss possible issues and solutions to where we could stay the night if our homes were not habitable Hopefully we won't need any of it, but being prepared reduces anxiety, and it helps to know you have done what you can
Light up
Your emergency supplies don’t have to be in a kit, but you might have to find them in the dark Make sure everyone knows where the torches and batteries are
Fridge first
If the power goes out, eat the food from your fridge first, then your freezer Then eat the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit
Know your neighbours
Get to know your neighbours In an emergency they may need your help or you may need their help, and you may be able to band together to get through
Keep up to date with emergency information by listening to a battery- or solar-powered radio Check your local council and/or Civil Defence Emergency Management Group's websites and social media Follow the instructions of civil defence and emergency services
If you go to the website www getready govt nz it has links through to pdfs of plans with question prompts so you can get yourself clear on what is needed. For example they share to have a 'Grab Bag' if you have to leave in a hurry in case you need to evacuate It is simply a small bag with warm clothes, a torch, radio, first aid kit, snack food and water, good idea to have one for each person in the house so they can just grab on evacuation
The best thing you can do is prepare now, before the emergency.
If all of mother nature's events are leaving you a little on edge, remember the shake it off exercise from the life skills for mental health and wellbeing (ask tamariki) Ways to shake it off include: blowing out horse lips, saying out loud to yourself "you're not being chased by a tiger!" Put your hand on your chest and breathe gently for a bit, help your body settle, as we are reminded we can't control everything
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere It’s up to you to take steps to make sure you’re prepared | Tē mōhiotia āhea, ki hea rānei te ohotata Whakaritea tō whānau Kia mataara
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