Category: New Zealand Government

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

23 May 2024 People collector Anna brings her community together Anna lives in a Kāinga Ora home in Palmerston North and loves her neighbourhood for its national heritage significance, accessibility and the large reserve nearby that offers many opportunities for the community to connect.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

And connecting people is precisely what Anna likes to do, so it is unsurprising that her family calls her a “people collector”.

The list of Anna’s community initiatives is long: from running Facebook groups, including the ‘Palmerston North Women’s Social Group’, ‘Friends of Savage Park’ and ‘Savage Community Group’ to organising events in the reserve and establishing a community garden.

One of the events Anna looks back on with pride is the open-air cinema she organised in the reserve a few months ago. “A massive number of people turned up and everyone had a great time,” she says.

Having experienced housing transformation overseas, Anna understands the importance of communities getting to know each other as cities change.

“When I lived in London, the city went through a transition where original homes were being replaced with skyscrapers. There are positives to this style of living, but it can also become isolating without the usual foot traffic and interactions with neighbours,” says Anna.

“I remember one woman decided to build a community centre, and the benefits of getting locals to come along, get to know each other and build community connections were really incredible.

“That’s what I aspire to do for others. I like it when I find out that one person has connected with another person in the community and that this made a difference in their lives. Because that is how I think these things spread and ripple out.”

Alongside good planning, it takes people like Anna to help build sustainable, thriving, and inclusive communities. In her work, Anna aims to not only bring people together but also to support the environment.

“Luckily, my backyard is close to the reserve, so I contacted Environmental Network Manawatū, who helped me turn it into a community garden. We’ve got quite a few winter veggies ready for harvest for the community already.”

Anna’s backyard turned community garden is also a collection point for the community’s household food waste as part of a new Community Composting initiative by Manawatū Food Action Network.

Anna has hundreds of other plans for the future, big and small, but it’s the community that has her heart.

“People in the community often ask me why I do the community work. It‘s because I am absolutely enjoying it, and I am sure I would be bored otherwise!” Anna says.

“The busier the reserve gets, the better. We know people are enthusiastic about having events there and I’m currently exploring opportunities to organise a local market. There are so many opportunities for the community to connect!”

Posted on

Yellow Fever

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Yellow Fever

About yellow fever
Yellow fever (YF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It is endemic in tropical areas of Africa (34 countries) and Latin America (13 countries). Vaccination is the most important and effective measure against YF providing effective immunity within 30 days for 99% of those vaccinated.

The disease is spread by mosquitoes that bite mostly during the day. Yellow fever can cause a serious haemorrhagic Illness that can be fatal for humans. The “yellow” in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients. Travellers to areas considered “at risk” can help limit the spread of the disease to vulnerable local populations by ensuring they are vaccinated where recommended.

The incubation period between being bitten by a mosquito to developing infection is 3-6 days. Symptoms including fever, headache, myalgia, conjunctival infection, facial flushing and relative bradycardia (slow heart rate) are common. In severe cases, these symptoms remit for a few hours to days then recur with high fever, headache, lumbosacral pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, impaired level of consciousness, severe hepatitis, shock and multisite haemorrhage. In many patients, there will be improvement in symptoms and gradual recovery 3-4 days after the onset of symptoms. About 15% of people infected with yellow fever develop a more severe form of the illness, and of those, up to half will die.

Survival rates are improved with supportive hospital care, however, there is no specific cure for YF. The New Zealand Health, Te Whatu Ora website provides further information on the YF virus and other relevant information about vaccination.

Recent outbreaks
Countries which have suffered recent outbreaks of YF include Trinidad in the Caribbean, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.

In South America, from January to March 2024, 7 confirmed yellow fever cases, including 4 fatal cases, have been reported in Columbia (3 fatal cases), Guyana (2 cases), and Peru (2 cases including one death). Additionally, Brazil has reported confirmed yellow fever in monkeys which indicates it is circulating in the country.

The mosquitoes that can spread this virus are not found in New Zealand. New Zealand is free from yellow fever virus.

Yellow fever vaccine
Yellow fever is prevented by a vaccine. A single dose of YF vaccine is sufficient to grant life-long protection. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises YF vaccine for all travellers aged 9 months and older visiting countries with areas with a risk of YF.

Travellers who are planning to travel to countries in Africa or South America where YF is endemic should receive vaccination. Yellow fever vaccination is only available from authorised YF vaccinator from these designated vaccination centres.

Travellers to countries where mosquito borne illnesses can spread are advised to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in lodgings where there are mosquito screens on windows and doors. Because yellow fever virus is transmitted by mosquitoes mostly active during daytime, it is important that all travellers visiting affected areas continue to take protective measures to prevent mosquito bites throughout the day. The Mosquitoes – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website contains more advice on avoiding mosquito bites while travelling, including information about mosquitoes.

If you feel unwell during your trip or in the first three weeks after your return, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice and tell the doctor about your travel.

 

 

Reviewed:22 May 2024, 14:20

Share this page:

Top of page

Posted on

22 May 2024 Future Squad: Building tomorrow’s tradespeople Rangatahi from Te Kauwhata College are getting a head start on careers in construction through Future Squad, part of the Construction Plus programme at Kāinga Ora.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Te Kauwhata College students are placing the building blocks for their futures as they explore how a construction career could work for them.

Eleven rangatahi, aged 16-18, have just completed the first part of Future Squad – a three-day workshop with career panels, site visits, projects and expert guidance from consultants, build partners and urban development, planning and design professionals.

And for some of those students, those three days are just the beginning.

“Part of our workshops included a really important step for anyone entering the workforce – real-life job interviews,” says Nigel Chandra, Construction Plus Manager.

“Two of our build partners – Finesse Residential(external link) and DEN Property(external link) – are providing opportunities for some of these students to gain on-site work experience at their developments currently under way in Lakeside.”

Kāinga Ora Placemaking Programme Manager Tofeeq Ahmed leads an event workshop with students.

And, like any new job, it all starts with an interview. From there, students will spend one day on site each week, for up to six weeks.

“We’re really grateful to Finesse and DEN,” says Nigel. “They’re giving some of these students a chance to explore their interest in construction and develop really important skills that’ll help them reach their career goals.”

Led by Nigel, Future Squad is part of the Kāinga Ora Construction Plus programme, which connects people living in communities undergoing urban development with industry training and employment opportunities.

“The pathways created by Future Squad are only possible because of the efforts of so many different people and groups involved,” says Nigel.

“Along with our build partners, members across the various Kāinga Ora teams are all pitching in to give these students a really good look at what’s involved in urban development and construction.

“The Get Group are also helping students turn their work experience into tangible results – some of them have the potential to earn 21 NCEA Level 3 credits for completing Future Squad. Of course, it’s also important to say that none of this would be possible without the support and work from the team at Te Kauwhata College.”

Natalie Langman, Gateway Coordinator at Te Kauwhata College, says students “really enjoyed the course” and a chance to better understand how housing and urban development sector operates.

“These courses give students amazing opportunities to explore more of what is available out there,” she says.

“With Te Kauwhata being a small town, halfway between Auckland and Hamilton, having Lakeside Development here has given us and our students heaps of opportunities.

“It’s meant being able to get work experience in the construction industry that we wouldn’t have been able gain otherwise.” 

Posted on

17 May 2024 New homes delivered and more to come in Waimakariri 12 new homes have been delivered to the Waimakariri community, after the completion of two significant Kāinga Ora projects in Rangiora.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

On Church Street, three existing homes have been replaced with seven new 3, 4 and five-bedroom homes. Around the corner on Lindon Street two existing homes have made way for five 2 and 3-bedroom homes.

Another way Kāinga Ora is boosting the supply of homes in the Waimakariri District is by acquiring new homes and we have recently purchased six new homes on Percival Street, Rangiora from a local developer.

Canterbury Regional Director, Liz Krause says these 18 new homes are a prime example of how Kāinga Ora is working to renew its housing stock across the region to provide more homes to those in need.

“Increasing the number of homes on some sites means we can make better use of our properties and more people can live in areas like Rangiora, that have good transport options and are close to schools, shops and other local amenities.

“These new homes are well-suited to the modern lifestyles of our customers and they’re also warmer and drier, helping keep power bills down.

“The homes also come with their own off-street parking and some meet full universal design standards, meaning they can be adapted to be accessible for people of all abilities, at any stage of life,” says Liz.

Further redevelopments are taking place at Kāinga Ora properties across Rangiora and Kaiapoi with demolition, site preparations and construction having begun for a further five sites.

“Our work to renew our housing portfolio will go some way to meeting the need for more homes in the community. As we progress these redevelopments, we’re keeping neighbours, the local community and key stakeholders informed with updates on progress.

“Now we’ve delivered these first three projects, we’re really looking forward to delivering a further 31 new homes in Kaiapoi and Rangiora by the end of this year,” Liz says.

You can view these upcoming developments in Kaiapoi and Rangiora(external link).

An overhead view of the Church Street development

Posted on

State Dinner for the Head of State of Samoa

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

Talofa

Richard and I are delighted to host you all this evening.

I extend a very special welcome to the O le Ao o le Malo, His Highness Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi the Second, and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo.

The Ceremony of Welcome afforded to you today affirms and celebrates the very special connection between Samoa and New Zealand.

And what a special moment it was for the children from the Naenae Primary School’s Tava’e Bilingual Samoan Unit. We were so pleased they could be present at the welcome, and I am sure they will remember it for years to come.

It is an absolute pleasure for Richard and me to renew our acquaintance with you, and to repay the warm welcome and wonderful hospitality extended to us during our visit to Samoa in 2022.

During our time in Upolo and Savai’i, I experienced a deep sense of pride, connection and kinship through my own Polynesian ancestry – and it was a particularly joyful homecoming for my Official Secretary, Alice Ropata.

At Maagiagi Village we were delighted to help launch the “Save the Manumea” campaign – which I trust is helping to raise awareness of the wellbeing of your beloved national bird.

Just a few weeks later, we met under much more sombre circumstances, at the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – and just over a year ago, we returned to London to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

While we were in London, Richard and I were privileged to witness your powerful and heartfelt address to representatives of island nations. Your Highness, the humanity, wisdom and insights you expressed that day reflect a lifetime of distinguished service to your nation – in education, the law, and politics, as well as your commitment to international collaboration to address regional challenges.

Our nations are close Pacific friends, we have shared principles and values, and the prosperity and security of our nations and peoples are inextricably linked. That relationship has been acknowledged and strengthened by our 2024 Statement of Partnership, which identifies five priority areas for cooperation until 2028: partnership, security, empowering communities, building climate resilience, and inspiring growth.

The focus of New Zealand’s support is in the priority areas of health, education and scholarships, tourism, private sector support, and economic and institutional resilience.

In recent years, our nations have collaborated effectively in our response to the measles outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand’s Ministry of Health worked with authorities in Samoa to keep COVID-19 out of the community until March 2022, thus enabling good progress with Samoa’s vaccination programme before the outbreak. Those efforts must have been deeply appreciated by the Samoan people, as well as the over 180,000 New Zealanders who can claim Samoan heritage.

Aotearoa has benefited immeasurably from the aspirations, talents and energy of Samoans who have chosen to make their home here – in fields as diverse as music, film, fine arts, sport, religious life, commerce, literature, government, and education. And here I must acknowledge Your Highness’s own contribution during your time serving as a police officer in New Zealand.

Looking ahead, no doubt you are focussing on Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in October and the opportunities it will present to work with other nations in affirming and building on the core values established under the Commonwealth Charter, and in highlighting the concerns and interests of small island states.

We look forward to even closer ties between New Zealand and Samoa in the future – capitalising on the energy and resolve both nations can bring to addressing the challenges of our times, and creating a sustainable and prosperous future for our peoples.

Once again, I extend a warm welcome to our honoured guests. Richard and I are delighted to be your hosts, and will do all we can to make your stay in Aotearoa enjoyable and memorable.

Posted on

New Caledonia

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 15 May 2024, 09:53 NZST
  • Still current at: 15 May 2024

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise normal safety and security precautions elsewhere in New Caledonia (level 1 of 4).

Exercise increased caution in metropolitan Nouméa and the RT1 road to La Tontouta Airport due to protests and demonstrations (level 2 of 4).

New Caledonia

We are providing information about the ongoing protest activity in New Caledonia here.

Crime
 Violent crime towards foreigners is not common. Foreigners may experience opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, roadblocks, car theft and stone throwing. Walking alone or travelling after dark is not recommended and if travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up. Dangerous driving is not uncommon – exercise utmost caution on open roads, especially at night.

Civil unrest
 There have been isolated security incidents associated with protests, demonstrations and civil unrest in New Caledonia. Protest activity has the potential to restrict travel by main roads in and out of Noumea. New Zealanders should be cautious in particular on the RP1 near St Louis, and the highway north from Noumea to La Tontouta International airport, as this route has been subject to occasional security incidents in the past, which have caused injury.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning and should monitor the media to stay informed of local developments and  follow any instructions or restrictions issued by local authorities.

General travel advice
 Swimmers should be alert to any warning signs and follow the advice of local authorities when beaches have been closed due to a shark sighting or shark-related incidents. A series of shark attacks in early 2023, including one fatal, resulted in the closing of all beaches in Noumea.

Tropical Cyclone season runs from November to April. New Caledonia has a cyclone alert system. In the event of a tsunami alert, follow the advice of local authorities and your hotel or resort management.

New Zealanders travelling or living in New Caledonia must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  It is strongly recommended that coverage for pre-existing conditions be confirmed by your insurance providers. 

Health care facilities in New Caledonia are good for standard treatment, but in more complex cases you may need a medical evacuation to Australia or elsewhere.

New Zealanders in New Caledonia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Consulate-General Noumea, New Caledonia

Street Address 27, Rue de Verdun, Nouméa, New Caledonia Postal Address New Zealand Consulate-General, B.P. 2219, 98 846 Noumea Cedex, Noumea Telephone +687 272 543 Emergency Telephone 24/7 Consular emergency call: +64 99 20 20 20 Fax +687 271 740 Email nznoumea@mfat.net Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/new-caledonia Hours Mon-Fri 0830-1130, 1330-1630

See our regional advice for the Pacific

Top of page

Posted on

14 May 2024 Life’s challenges no match for an independent spirit Life has thrown Lydia its fair share of challenges, but that hasn’t stopped her living it the way she wants to.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Lydia was a healthy, independent woman working full-time in Nelson and living a fun-filled, sociable life until 2010 when a tumour was detected on her brain.

Lydia travelled to Christchurch for surgery to remove the tumour, but unfortunately during the operation she suffered a life-changing stroke.

“All of a sudden, I went from being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted, to losing the use of my legs and not being able to support myself financially,’’ Lydia explains.

“That’s really challenging to get your head around. You’re going in for a straightforward surgery and you come out with a new, life-altering health issue to deal with. But after processing what this meant for me, I said to myself ‘life is for living’ and I wasn’t going to dwell on the hand life had dealt me.’’

With the support of the Laura Fergusson Trust, Lydia kept that attitude throughout an intensive rehabilitation programme at Christchurch’s Burwood Hospital. She built back her strength and learnt to do as much as she could for herself, using a motorised wheelchair.

While in rehabilitation, Lydia decided she needed to stay in Christchurch so she could be close to her Canterbury-based family. She moved into an accessible Kāinga Ora home and has lived there happily for the past 13 years.

“I just love it here. It’s close to Mum and Dad and it’s provided me with a stable base to focus on my health and not dwell on what’s been thrown my way. Although I may need a bigger place soon as the Smurfs really are taking over,” she says with a grin as she surveys the growing collection of Smurf figurines on display in her living room.

Lydia not only loves the home she lives in, but she also loves the community she lives in and has built a network of friendships across north-west Christchurch.

She is a regular at the local retirement village’s ‘happy hour’ and at the local shops and gym.

“Because my home is so well located, I can bus to appointments across town. But wherever possible I try to get myself where I need to go in my chair. I must be out and about more than I think, because people around the neighbourhood now recognise me and wave!

“The upside of all of this is that I see a lot of sun and it helps me keep this tanned goddess look,” she jokes.

Lydia’s growing smurf collection.

Posted on

Zika Virus

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Zika Virus

What is Zika?
Zika virus is a flavivirus and is closely related to Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, Dengue, and yellow fever viruses. Since its discovery in Uganda in 1948 Zika has continued to expand its geographic range, from Africa and Asia to Pacific Islands, then, further afield to South and Central America and Caribbean.

Transmission
 Zika, like dengue and chikungunya viruses are transmitted by mosquitos mostly active during the daytime. Rare instances of sexual transmission have been reported. Pregnant women who become infected with Zika virus can transmit the disease to their unborn babies, with potentially serious consequences.

The mosquito species (Aedes sp) that can spread Zika virus are not normally found in New Zealand however they are found in many other countries around the world. A total of 89 countries  had documented evidence of locally transmitted mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus, distributed across all regions.

Symptoms can include: 

  • low-grade fever
  • arthralgia (joint aches), notably of small joints of hands and feet, with possible swollen joints
  • myalgia (muscle aches)
  •  headache, retro-ocular headaches (behind the eyes)
  • conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • cutaneous maculopapular rash 

Zika virus infection usually causes a mild disease (except for pregnant women).

However, as Zika infection may cause a rash that could be confused with diseases such as measles or dengue, these serious diseases do need to be ruled out.

Diagnosis of Zika will first and foremost be based on symptoms, travel history and exclusion of other diseases including measles, rubella, and dengue.

The incubation period is typically 3–12 days. There is no specific therapy for Zika virus infection and acute symptoms typically resolve within 4–7 days.

Use paracetamol for pain and fever if needed. Until dengue can be ruled out do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, given the risk of bleeding.

Serious complications from Zika virus infection are uncommon.

However, based on research to date, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other severe foetal brain abnormalities as well as Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is especially important that pregnant women take all steps to minimise risk of mosquito bites in countries with zika virus.

Zika outbreak in Thailand
 The Zika virus disease has increased to levels not seen since before the 2016 epidemic in Thailand, with more than 750 people infected and at least 13 babies born with birth defects in 2023.  In comparison, 190 cases were reported in 2022 and 63 in 2021.

The World Health Organization has also reported a significant increase globally in dengue fever, which is also transmitted primarily by Aedes sp. mosquitos.

Prevention advice for travellers
 There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available to prevent Zika virus infection or disease. The majority of Zika viruses cases are acquired via mosquito bites, although sexual transmission of Zika virus infection can occur. The overall risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus is considered to be low. Pregnant women who become infected with Zika virus can transmit the disease to their unborn babies, with potentially serious consequences. Prevention of Zika relies primarily on avoidance of mosquito bites.

If travelling to Thailand or zika-affected areas, women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should consult with their health care provider.  Individuals should take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including the following:  

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  •  Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535. Always use as directed.
  •  Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children older than 2 months when used according to the product label. Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
  •  If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
  •  Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as closed-toe shoes or boots, pants, socks, and tents).
  •  Use bed nets, as necessary.
  •  Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.
  •  Be particularly vigilant for the 2 hours after sunrise and the 2 hours before sunset. 

Women who have travelled to an affected country without their partner should use appropriate contraception for eight weeks to avoid pregnancy. However, if the partner has also travelled to an affected country, then see advice on sexual transmission of Zika virus.

Note: Avoiding mosquito bites will help prevent infection with a number of viruses that can cause serious illness. In addition to Zika virus disease, mosquitos are the prime vector for infection with, and transmission of chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, and yellow fever.

More information about Zika virus can be found on the Te Whatu Ora or World Health Organisation websites.

Reviewed:14 May 2024, 11:40

Share this page:

Top of page

Posted on

New Caledonia: Ongoing Protests and Civil Unrest

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

New Caledonia: Ongoing Protests and Civil Unrest

There are a number of protests and demonstrations currently taking place across New Caledonia, some of which have turned violent overnight. Local authorities have recommended that individuals stay in place and limit their movements wherever possible. A curfew has been put in place for the night of 14 to 15 May from the hours of 6pm to 6am. An extension of these orders is possible after this date. 

The Tontouta international airport has been temporarily closed, and we recommend that all travellers check with their airline before proceeding to the airport. The road between Noumea and Tontouta has been impacted by road blocks. We recommend that you also contact your travel insurance provider to see what insurance cover may apply in these circumstances.

New Zealanders in New Caledonia are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. New Zealanders are also advised to monitor local media for developments and comply with any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities.

If you require consular assistance please contact the New Zealand Consulate-General in Noumea on +687 272 543 or at nznoumea@mfat.net or for consular emergencies after-hours on 0800 30 10 30 or +64 99 20 20 20

All New Zealanders currently in New Caledonia are encouraged to register on SafeTravel.

Associated Advisories:

Posted:14 May 2024, 11:09

Share this page:

Top of page

Share this page:

Latest News features

Posted on

13 May 2024 Community comes together to celebrate momentous occasion It was a time of celebration in Tauranga when our customer Sylvia recently celebrated her 100th birthday. A small party was held in her garden with a banquet of sweet and savoury treats and decorations displayed across the marquee.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Her closest neighbours and friends were invited to come along to help celebrate the momentous occasion. Sylvia says she is close with her next-door neighbours and wherever they can, they always look out for each other.

“As we have got older it is harder to get together as much as we used to. We always used to celebrate each other’s birthdays and have BBQs in the garden. We still try and help each other out when we can. If someone is unwell or coming back from hospital, we look out for each other and help with meals. My neighbours will also help by watering gardens if someone is away.”

To top off her birthday festivities, she even received the renowned 100th birthday card from King Charles III.

Sylvia has faced many challenges throughout her 100 years, including living in Christchurch during the earthquakes and being a passenger involved in the Wahine disaster. But her positive outlook on life and kindness towards others is what kept her going through all these years.

“My advice is to don’t spend too long licking your wounds when things don’t go well. Help people when you can and be kind. Don’t judge others or worry about what they are doing; you can only control yourself.”

Sylvia has lived in her Kāinga Ora home for the last 14 years after moving to Tauranga from Christchurch after the earthquakes. “The retirement village I was living in was badly damaged. I thought it was a good time to come back to Tauranga where I used to live.”

“This is a lovely place to be. We have a nice outlook, Otumoetai is a good area and very peaceful.”

Sylvia is clear about what has helped her live a long life “Genetics, my mother lived in her own home until she passed away at the age of 99 and a half!”

“You have to keep moving your body if you want to stay in your own home as you get older. Do as much as you can but know when to stop and rest. I have home help each day, but I still try to do as much as I can myself.”