4 Wairarapa Midweek Local News Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Four of the recent graduates of a two-day parenting workshop at Wairarapa Safer Community Trust. PHOTO/EMILY IRELAND
Young parents learn to be the very best Emily Ireland
Police guarding the closed gate at Kiwi Lumber on Friday after a female worker died.
PHOTO/ELISA VORSTER
Female worker dies at Kiwi Lumber Elisa Vorster Staff at Masterton mill Kiwi Lumber are “absolutely devastated” after a female worker was tragically killed onsite last Friday. Emergency Services were called to the Waingawa industrial area on Norman Ave shortly after 8.30am in response to reports of a workplace accident. An ambulance and fire engine were seen leaving the yard around 9.30am, as a number of police from both the criminal
investigation branch and response group arrived. Several staff members could be seen comforting each other in the yard behind the reception in what has been described as “a tragic day.” “All efforts are focused on the victim’s family, the team they worked with, and the people at the site,” a Kiwi Lumber spokesperson said. “We are absolutely devastated for everyone. “Our thoughts and hearts are with the family.”
Staff and police guarded the gate to the yard which is usually open as vehicles come and go from the yard. Senior Sergeant Mike Sutton said police were unable to confirm the age of the woman who died or the circumstances leading up to the incident but confirmed her family had been notified on Friday morning. “We are continuing to investigate the incident in conjunction with WorkSafe NZ and the coroner,” he said.
“It’s too early to say where the investigation will go – it’s still in the early stages.” Since 2010 there have been eight workplace fatalities in Wairarapa and 138 serious harm incidents reported to WorkSafe NZ. The last workplace fatality in the region occurred in Masterton in 2016, when there were three separate workplace deaths within the space of three months.
Six young parents have graduated a two-day parenting workshop at Wairarapa Safer Community Trust (WSCT) as part of their Youth Services obligation. The programme was Positive Tools for You and Your Child, delivered by Sam Williams, the coordinator of Proactive Parenting Services at (WSCT). She was assisted by youth coach Abby Cooper. Taking part in the programme were four young mums and two young dads who learned about and discussed all aspects of bringing up young children, from topics like brain development, to child safety, stress management, and play. Sam said there was some lively discussion, and “insightful feedback” from participants who are “all busy parents with very young children. “Their attendance, and effort is commendable.” Matthew Pike, 19 said he learned “what not to do and what to do”. He said the most important part of
parenting was to praise good behaviour, and “enjoy the time you have with your kids”. Gabby Anderson, 19, said the course opened up her eyes about child safety “certainly around other people”. Lana Workman, 19, has a seven-month-old daughter. “I’ve learned so much,” she said. “I’ve learned how her brain works and how it all connects at different stages, and different ages.” She said she also learned about the different types of communication that her daughter would use at each age. Jade Reiri, 19, learned that it was “okay to make mistakes”. “Parenting is stressful, but at the end of the day, you just need to do what’s best for you and your child. “If you’re not coping, then your child won’t be able to either.” She said she would recommend other parents partake in parenting courses. “It may not sound fun, but it educates you and you walk out happy and you just can’t wait for the rest of your life.”
431 Queen Street, Kuripuni, Masterton Phone: 378 6060 Email: carl@countrylife.co.nz www.countrylife.co.nz Open: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm or by appointment