Unite against COVID-19
www.times.co.nz updating you on the latest Covid-19 local developments TAKING YOU TO NEW
TIMES
AWARD-WINNING VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY – NZCNA
Est. 1972 Phone 09 271 8000 | Facebook Times Online | www.times.co.nz
Thursday, April 16, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE
LATEST NEWS
ACTS OF KINDNESS
COVID-19 UPDATE
Do you know where this is? If you do, you could be in to win! See pages 12-13.
Photo Wayne Martin
BACK TO THE FUTURE
THANK YOU Healthcare Workers and unknown heroes of Covid-19
We would like to say a huge thank you to all the frontline workers by offering this special price during the lockdown period We hope this antibacterial sweetness can brighten up your day!
Onuku Manuka Honey UMF 10+ 250g (Lockdown Special)
The rich, robust flavours of Onuku’s manuka honey come from the nectar of the manuka flower, a native of New Zealand. This premium honey is 100% authentic and full of health benefits. Genuine mānuka honey to keep you feeling your best!
19
$
JH15959
Order online: www.beebro.co.nz
$25.00
Essential Services NEWS MEDIA
GAS REFILLS
MOTORCYCLES OPEN
LPG
for WOF, service (all brands) & parts – if you need your motorcycle for work or if it is your only form of transport
WE CAN FILL ALL LPG CYLINDERS FROM 2KG TO 45KG
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. Times Media Ph: 09 271 8000 Email: selina@times.co.nz – general 09 274 0999 editor@times.co.nz – www.armstrong.co. news nz www.times.co.nz
NEW & SWAP ‘N GO EXCHANGE CYLINDERS ALSO AVAILABLE • FREE SAFETY CHECK
SPRINGSGATE ENERGY CENTRE 30 Springs Rd, East Tamaki
B O T A N Y
LOCKDOWN HOURS
LOCKSMITH CCTV
Ph Ph27(09)4 274 29or 021 944 351 822727
JU1549-v2
DE0167
www.autogascentre.com
H O N D A
MOTORCYCLES
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-12noon Ph 09 274 8229 or 021 744 486 Email autolpg@xtra.co.nz
www.botanyhonda.co.nz
ELECTRICIAN
ACCESS CONTROL 09 274 0999
LOCKSMART
LOCKSMITHS
www.armstrong.co.nz
AVAILABLE 24/7 CCTV ACCESS CONTROL
• Residential • Digital Locks • Automotive • Commercial • Property Re-Keys • Lock Maintenance LOCAL CALL OUT RATES
Local NZ Registered Electrician No job too big or too small! 24 hour emergency service
New Zealand’s Leading Locksmith and Alarm Specialists
No call out fee
WINDOW STAYS DE0159
FUNERALS CHECK YOUR
if you mention this advert
DE0170
RUBBISH
PLUMBERS
WINDOW STAYS THIS SUMMER
Grace Plumbing
We are open for • Burials • Cremations • Plot sales as required
Purewa – Part of our Community since 1889
Solutions & Services ❏ Certified ❏ 23+ years experience ❏ New or Reno work ❏ Hot water cylinders Brad 022 671 8125 graceplumbing.co.nz
DE0169
2 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
CD48042
4A Parsons Road, Meadowbank Phone 09 528 5599 enquiries@purewa.co.nz www.purewa.co.nz DE0168
RUBBISH REMOVAL Household, Garden, Pest Control, Arborist, Waste & General Rubbish Rapid Property Group Ltd Ph: 0800 789 248
021 130 7217 09 217 2217
DE0162
Talk to us about... CHECK YOUR •Locks • Keys • Safes • Alarms • CCTV • Access Control THIS SUMMER Armstrong Smarter Security Ph: 09 274 0999 | 0800 506 111 www.armstrong.co.nz
HEAT PUMP SERVICE
VET
COVID-19
Unite against
“For experienced and personal veterinary care for your pets” “Our aim is to provide the highest quality medical and surgical care for your pet and to offer information, advice and assistance, whenever you need it, in a caring and compassionate manner.”
HEATPUMP SERVICES Be warm this winter, install a heat pump
Services: Consultations and Vaccinations, Dentistry, Surgery & Anaesthesia, Medicine & Drug Prescriptions, Diagnostic Laboratory, Microchipping, Export Certification, Pet Products & Food, Specialist Referrals, Weight Loss Programmes.
• Sales • Installation • Service
DE0171
Ph 09 534 1244 or 027 534 1244 E: celsius@outlook.co.nz www.celsiusheating.co.nz
DE0163
Ph: 09 534 8118 E: petmd@bbvet.co.nz www.bbvet.co.nz
COVID-19
Everything you need to know in one place
HEALTH
• Latest Updates • Alert System • Resources • Essential Businesses • Help for people who can’t get essential supplies
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.
260 Botany Road, Howick Phone 09 277 1516 | www.eastcare.co.nz
KC14826
JU1550
Covid19.govt.nz
For After Hours care, go to East Care, 260 Botany Rd, Howick.
PLUMBERS
Drain Repairs Surface water problems All drainage requirements
Pipers Drainage Ph Rick: 027 256 2533 Registered Drainlayers. Free quotes and advice.
DE0161
Drain unblocking CCTV camera Retaining walls
0800 420 900
Incorporating
www.aucklandplumbersgroup.co.nz/covid-19
DE0160
BRADSHAW PLUMBING Available to do essential urgent jobs such as Repairs & Replacement of Burst HWC and Leaking Valves, Unblocking of Toilets, Repairs to Leaking Soil & Waste Pipes, Burst Pipe Repairs Bradshaw Plumbing Ph: 09 527 3053, 09 268 1007 or 0274 743 505 DE0157
TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 3
Puzzle Page Cryptic Puzzle ACROSS
2
3
4
6
5
DOWN
1. With an exclamation, the idiot stands up on the bath rack (6). 2. A sitter and it’s dropped! That’s a bloomer!(5). 3. Not all mean to turn tail (7). 4. In the U.K., do you remember when someone longed to have one Thatcher hater removed? (4). 5. On cue, out comes the beast (5). 6. I come down again in the country (7). 7. Happy to catch the lawbreaker in “6 Down” (6). 13. She brought back the coins - gold (7). 15. Also changing the inset one doesn’t like (7). 16. Putting in the doctor’s outfit, gets carried away (6). 17. In short, roll on Saturday, chum! (6). 19. I take round extra material (5). 21. At the time, could be seen to be nervous (5). 22. In that case, what’s the difference between me and men? (4).
9
8
11
10
12
14
13
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
24
25
Quick Puzzle ACROSS
1. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 18. 20. 23. 24. 25.
Sudoku
15
Benelovent (13) Copious (5) Musical instrument (7) Bar (6) Elite (6) Implant (5) Fact (5) Upright (6) Hairdresser (6) Synopsis (7) Fool (5) Impenitently (13)
NO. 10009
DOWN
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 13. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21. 22.
Extol (6) Drive (5) Breathtaking (7) Tense (4) Awaken (5) Gift (7) Produce (6) Least (7) Perceive (7) Pursuer (6) Brave (6) Step (5) Happiness (5) Dog (4)
EAST AUCKLAND APP AL L TH AT ’S NE AR , IS HE RE ! Search ‘East Auckland’ in your app store
7
NO. 10009
NO. 003
1. The killer in “The Pencil Murders”? (4,9). 8. “More like summer,” says the cockney swimmer (5). 9. Do fold the lace and tuck it away (7). 10. Fearfully sorry? (6). 11. And shivering, the girl is in a state (6). 12. Line the material (5). 14. Slip on a piece of glass (5). 18. Continue to be sure, wandering off by myself (6). 20. Pound to a paste (6). 23. The food includes local and foreign (7). 24. So going in when certain (5). 25. Make a gesture that has no meaning (5,4,4).
1
News, services, events, trades, food and entertainment, amenities, even the closest public toilet!
4 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
East Auckland
All you need from your community in one place
LITTLE ACTS OF KINDNESS
BRING LIGHT IN LOCKDOWN While Covid-19 has created financial uncertainty and brought businesses to a standstill, there is something powerful that has emerged from the world crisis, a sense of kindness and helpfulness that restores faith in humanity. BY FARIDA MASTER
Often the worst of circumstances bring out the best in people.
Closer to home, essential workers have been pleasantly surprised with little notes of appreciation on supermarket shelves at Pak N’Save, Countdown and New World Botany, left by shoppers.
At East Park in Golflands, Botany, neighbours have been going out of their way to help people on the street with random acts of kindness. Flyers and notes in letterboxes offer help with groceries, gardening and pruning of trees.
Mailboxes in the Botany area have notes of gratitude for the posties and all those who selflessly continue to serve communities putting their own health at risk.
Over Easter, a kind neighbour even left Easter eggs on people’s doorsteps. Meanwhile, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown has asked people to enrol as Street Captains to look after people in their neighbourhood. The role involves contacting everyone in their street through a leaflet drop and being a point of contact for anyone who might need assistance It is another instance of bringing people together to create a sense of safety and kindness.
The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush is encouraging the Kindness Pandemic, founded by Catherine Barrett in Australia. With 600,000 members online, the idea is to share a message of kindness in different communities and have each other’s backs. They are now helping communities to set up a local Kindness Pandemic group. Nick Yoong, event officer at the Buddhist temple says, “The temple followed the Kindness Pandemic started for frontline workers in Australia by Dr Barrett, founder and director of Celebrate Ageing, a social enterprise challenging ageism and building respect for older people. “We were inspired to start the campaign in our area and asked our members to
The Student Volunteer Army collaborating with New World Howick and even offering to babysit children of health workers is another wonderful example of inter-generational kindness in our local communities. leave behind a kind note on supermarket shelves to show their gratitude to the hard-working staff.”
Barrett sums it up, “Kindness won’t make the virus go away, but it may make our lives easier and more rewarding.”
TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 5
LOCKING DOWN CYBER SECURITY As many of us spend more time working online from home, CERT NZ is reminding us all to stay safe from viruses of another nature, as well as other nasties. From encouraging fake donations to the World Health Organisation, fake coronavirus maps, phishing emails claiming to have updated Covid-19 information and even text messages offering to direct people to testing facilities, the unscrupulous appear to be out in force. Working alongside various government agencies, CERT NZ is focused on protecting cyber security
for New Zealanders. Reports from overseas indicate businesses worldwide are aware of an increasing threat online, but as many smaller organisations seek to cut costs in the wake of the outbreak, skimping on cyber security could prove a costly error, Rachel Welsh from USA-Based Atlas VPN warns. “Global recession due to Covid-19 is inevitable, so companies are already cutting costs. I suspect smaller organisations may no longer be prioritising cybersecurity tools amid the recession,” she says.
“[Larger] corporations are aware of how hackers can take advantage of the crisis and I expect them to continue prioritising cybersecurity.” In 2020, 47% of organisations internationally reported a significant investment increase in cloud security; the expenses are predicted to rise from $636 million in 2020 to $1.63 billion in 2023, Atlas VPN predicts. For detailed information about the latest online scams and how to avoid them, visit cert.govt.nz; the latest Atlas VPN survey is accessible via atlasvpn.com.
GOOD WILL KEY TO WAGE SUBSIDY SCHEMES Employee advocate groups are urging employers to ensure they treat the Government’s Covid-19 pay subsidies in the spirit in which they have been provided. “I’m encouraging business owners to talk openly with their staff before making decisions affecting their jobs,” Equal Employment Opportunities and Women’s Rights Commissioner, Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo, says. “I urge bosses to face up to the inevitable emotional conversations, continue to exercise transparency and do the right thing. Get support from other business owners who are facing the same
dilemmas. We are all in this together.” Ms Sumeo adds that concerns have been raised by unions that some employers are not passing on the wage subsidy or are compelling staff to use sick or annual leave as cover during the isolation period. “I applaud the Government for listening to the voices of workers, unions, business owners and civil society as reflected in
6 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
its swift policy responses. The time taken to understand and address particular vulnerabilities of different groups in our communities sends the message that ‘we see you and this is how you’ll be supported’,” she adds. “It’s important that those with the least have what they need to get through, build resilience and exit this crisis intact and stronger. This is how we ensure our vulnerable aren’t further marginalised.”
COVID-19 ECONOMIC SCENARIOS BACK ‘GO HARD, GO EARLY’ Economic scenarios released this week back the Government’s decision to go hard and early in the fight against Covid-19 while putting significant measures in place to protect jobs and support businesses through the lockdown, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. The Treasury has released a range of scenarios for the economy, based on assumptions of different amounts of time under the Alert Levels. The report shows how extra Government spending will cushion the blow by protecting jobs and supporting businesses. “This global pandemic is dramatically affecting countries and their economies around the world. We are seeing dire forecasts for global growth and unemployment levels rising rapidly in many countries. As an open export-led economy, New Zealand will feel these global effects for some time to come,” Robertson says. “New Zealand is in a good position to fight Covid-19 due to our strong public health system, low debt and growing economy heading into this situation. “The best way to protect the economy is to fight this virus, which is why we’ve acted swiftly and decisively to stamp out Covid -19. This will give our businesses and the economy the best chance to get going again on the other side.” The scenarios released this week were guided by a range of previously released public health modelling. The Treasury has purposefully included scenarios that show what might happen if the lockdown has to be extended, or if the country has to return to Alert Level 4 in the future. “These should not be taken as any guide as to the Government’s thinking or decision on changing alert levels. That decision will be taken on April 20 as the Prime Minister has foreshadowed. “What they do show is how important it is that we continue to unite against Covid -19 and follow the public health guidelines; stay home and save lives – we know it’s working,” Robertson says.
support. Work is already well advanced on further fiscal support.
payments to take pressure off business owners
Without additional support, unemployment could have hit 13.5 per cent under scenario 1 (four weeks in Level 4), while scenarios requiring more time in Level 4 showed a peak of 17.5 per cent-26 per cent.
Restoring the ability to depreciate some buildings to support cashflow and investment
New Zealand’s underlying strength means the economy can bounce back to be $70 billion larger by 2024 than in 2019. Work on further significant Government investment to protect jobs, support cashflow and prepare the economy for recovery is well-advanced. The next steps in the Government’s plan to support businesses will be released this week.
“We can do this because we entered this situation with strong Government books and a growing economy. Net debt at 19.2 per cent of GDP is well below the OECD average around 70 per cent, giving us greater ability than many to protect jobs and incomes with the Government’s strong balance sheet,” Robertson says.
“The Budget is also another important part of the response and it will include significant support to respond to and recover from Covid-19. “As is usual with the Budget, there may well be pre-announcements, especially where they relate to urgent Covid-19 response activities,” Robertson says.
The Government has already provided support to businesses including: $9.6b through the wage subsidy to protect the jobs of more than a million working New Zealanders and keep them connected to their employers during the lockdown. Changes to the business tax system worth $2.8b to boost cashflow, encourage investment and support working from home, including: Allowing businesses to immediately claim tax deductions for low value assets like computers, mobile phones, cameras, microphones, headphones and other equipment required to work from home
The scenarios show: That unemployment can be kept below 10 per cent and return to 5 per cent in 2021 with additional Government
Working with the banks to deliver a six-month mortgage deferral scheme so Kiwis don’t lose their homes as a result of Covid-19, and a $6.25b Business Finance Guarantee to encourage bank lending to small and medium-sized businesses.
Raising the threshold for provisional tax to support cashflow Writing off penalties for late tax
son believes er Grant Robert Finance minist cision to ‘go ade the right de Government m response. ith its Covid-19 .nz hard, go early’ w Photo labour.org
TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 7
NEW WORLD HOWICK TEAMS UP WITH STUDENT VOLUNTEER ARMY added Auckland to the list of locations we’re serving.”
New World and the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) have teamed up to deliver groceries to older and vulnerable customers who are unable to leave home while the country is in Alert Level 4 of the National Pandemic Plan.
Auckland based SVA volunteers are now delivering to east, central and North Shore areas, picking the grocery orders at New World Howick, New World Remuera and New World Devonport.
Brendon Jones, owner-operator New World Howick says the response, has been very encouraging.
While volunteers are shopping, they will be adhering to the strict physical distancing protocols in place at New World.
“While the offer has just started on Monday (April 13), there has been a lot of initial interest. Feedback from customers has been that it’s a fantastic service being offered by the SVA.” The contact-less grocery ordering and delivery service enables customers who are over 65, medically vulnerable and families of healthcare workers - who are potentially more vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus - to select and pay for their groceries via a custom-built website. Or they can phone in with their order to a specially set up call centre. A local member of the Student Volunteer Army then shops for the groceries at a New World and delivers their groceries direct to their door. “We have more than 2000 volunteers
New World has donated funds to the SVA to enable the scaling of the service across more locations; supporting the cost of managing the rollout.
Sophia Meldrum from the Student Volunteer Army at New World Howick is shopping for the older customers who can now avail of contactless grocery delivery service. Photo supplied trained up around the country,” says Sam Johnson, founder of the SVA. “We’re up and running smoothly in several cities including Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and we’ve now
Chris Quin, CEO Foodstuffs North Island says, “We’re all about supporting our communities in any way we can right now and we’re delighted to be a part of bringing this valuable service for our older and vulnerable customers to Auckland.” The service is currently up and running in Hamilton, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch (including Kaiapoi, Rangiora and Rolleston) and Dunedin. www.sva.org.nz
CHASE, THEN FIREARM INCIDENT IN EAST TAMAKI By JIM BIRCHALL A driver locked himself in a vehicle and refused to co-operate with officers after a pursuit by police on Easter Sunday. In a strange twist, a man holding what appeared to be a firearm was observed filming the incident in a video posted by witnesses to the former incident. In a statement from police, Inspector Wendy Spiller, Area Commander for Counties Manukau East said: “Police observed a vehicle travelling at excessive speed along Allens Road, East Tamaki just before 7pm on Sunday April 12.
It came to a stop on Kirikiri Lane where the driver locked himself in the vehicle. Eventually the driver was removed from the vehicle by police. The 57-year-old man was arrested and faces charges relating to failing to stop, resisting police and one charge under the Health Act in relation to breach of Level 4 restrictions. He appeared before the Manukau District Court and is next scheduled to appear on July 2. In connection with this incident, later
8 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
that evening, police became aware of a video on social media of a male filming the incident and holding what appeared to be a firearm. Due to the nature of this video at around 11pm police returned to Kirikiri Lane to the address where the video was filmed. The male who filmed the video was spoken to about his behaviour. The item in the video has since been identified as a blank starter pistol.
20 NEW CASES OF COVID-19;
NEW TOTAL 1386
From Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Dr Ashley Bloomfield, DirectorGeneral of Health Today (Wednesday) New Zealand’s total number of Covid-19 cases has increased by 20, made up of 6 new confirmed cases and 14 new probable cases.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
As at Wednesday, April 15, 2020
There are no further deaths to report. The death toll to date is nine. There are now 728 reported cases of Covid-19 infection which we can confirm have recovered – an increase of 100 on yesterday. Recovered cases continue to dominate the number of new cases. The new combined total of confirmed and probable cases in New Zealand is 1386. Today there are 13 people in hospital. The total includes three people in ICU – one each in Middlemore, Dunedin and North Shore hospitals. Two of these ICU patients – in North Shore and Dunedin – are in a critical condition. For those cases we have information on, 48 per cent involve contact with a confirmed case within New Zealand including those in known clusters, 39 per cent have a link with overseas travel and community transmission accounts for 2 per cent. A total of 2100 tests were processed yesterday, with a rolling seven-day average of 2761 and total tests to date of 66,499.
The Director-General has spoken with DHB CEOs around the need to increase testing following the Easter break. DHBs are committed to increasing testing – including the use of mobile testing in some places to reach specific communities. There are now 16 significant clusters, one more than yesterday. This cluster is in Auckland and is again connected to an aged residential care facility. A significant cluster is when there are 10 or more cases of Covid-19 that are connected.
HEALTHCARE WORKERS The Ministry is working on further analysis of data involving healthcare workers and Covid-19 infection. What we’ve observed so far is that in cases of domestic transmission involving healthcare workers, only a relatively small number of cases involve transmission from patient to worker For instance, from yesterday’s figure of 107 healthcare workers, we asked how
many had been infected outside the workplace – that is, because they had travelled overseas or were a household or non-household contact of a case outside of their workplace. The answer was 56. We also asked how many healthcare workers were infected in the course of their work, and, of these, how many were infected from exposure to a colleague who was infected outside the workplace, and how many were infected by exposure to an infected patient/resident. That combined total was 46. There were five instances where it wasn’t clear where the infection came from and these will be investigated further. What this means is that there are a relatively small number of cases involving healthcare workers which are due to transmission from a patient or resident to a worker. In the majority of these transmissions within healthcare settings, more staff have been infected than patients. There will be further breakdowns of this data in the weeks to come. The Ministry says this analysis reinforces the way healthcare providers are working hard to prevent and manage infections across the sector. 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 – 9
VOLUNTEERS KEY WHEN WAR CAME CLOSE TO EAST AUCKLAND BY JIM BIRCHALL The current lockdown imposed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic draws parallels with life in east Auckland during World War II. The common thread is one of volunteering for the greater good and helping out and protecting those most vulnerable. While we are fighting a war against an invisible virus, in the 1940s people of the area made preparations for invasion by the Japanese. On June 19, 1940, the RMS Niagara set sail for Britain loaded with small arms and ammunition, along with eight tonnes of gold bullion and was sunk by a German mine placed just north of Auckland. The Japanese attack on Darwin in 1942, coupled with the sighting of a Japanese sea plane over Auckland the same year and an alleged sighting of a submarine from the Imperial Navy at Maraetai, enhanced the odds for invasion and the likelihood of war on east Auckland’s doorstep became very real. While troops had been dispatched to all corners of Europe in defence of Mother England, the home fires were kept burning by enthusiastic groups of volunteers. The New Zealand Home Guard was formed in 1940, in essence, to coordinate a military response to the threat of invasion, and was complimented by the Emergency Precautions Scheme (EPS), established to handle the civilian population and provide non-military services such as firefighting. The EPS was also responsible for coordinating trial blackouts, whereby lights would be turned off in houses and installations, as well as covering vehicle headlights with black tape. The theory was any invaders would be distracted from shelling an area they assumed was unpopulated. In his excellent book, Grey’s Folly - A history of Howick, Pakuranga et al, local historian Alan La Roche tells a story of local boy scouts who were entrusted with delivering messages via bicycle, in the dark, to Howick Town Hall, which was
Members of the Auckland Home Guard during WWII. Photo war2war. serving as a control centre. La Roche writes: ‘This was exciting work, almost as if it came from Boys Own pages, as the messengers were allocated to a particular warden who gave the students messages to take urgently to the Howick Town Hall.” The Howick Girl Guides were also animated participants in the war effort. In Grey’s Folly, La Roche states that “during the war they (the guides) knitted scarves, balaclavas, and socks, raised money, made camouflage nets in the All Saints Church and were active in the airraid precaution exercises”. The subterfuge continued throughout the war, as did the unwavering efforts of the auxiliary defenders. In terms of coastal defence, the area was welldefended by static emplacements. Remnants of pill boxes can still be seen today at Howick Beach, Cockle Bay and Maraetai. A number of tank exercises were conducted around Mellons Bay. According to La Roche, there was “also a gun emplacement on the knoll opposite Macleans College”. In the end, the invasion threat from the axis powers never materialised but
10 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
Photo supplied
the spirit of those east Aucklanders entrusted with keeping people safe, and running society at close to full capacity will never be forgotten.
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK PUZZLE NO. 10009 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Philanthropic. 8, Ample. 9, Ukulele. 10, Saloon. 11, Select. 12, Embed. 14, Truth. 18, Honest. 20, Barber. 23, Summary. 24, Idiot. 25, Remorselessly. Down - 1, Raise. 2, Impel. 3, Awesome. 4, Taut. 5, Rouse. 6, Present. 7, Create. 13, Minimum. 15, Realize. 16, Chaser. 17, Gritty. 19, Stair. 21, Bliss. 22, Tyke. CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 10009 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Lead poisoning. 8, ‘Otter. 9, Con-ceal. 10, Afraid. 11, N-Eva-da. 12, Drill. 14, Slide. 18, Resu-me. 20, Batter. 23, F-inn-ish. 24, (w)Hence(rtain). 25, Shake one’s head. Down - 1, Loof-ah (rev.). 2, A-s(it)ter. 3, Par-tial. 4, I-t(hat)ch(er). 5, Ounce (anag.). 6, I-reland. 7, G-alw-ay. 13, Ro-sanna (rev.). 15, Loa-the-s . 16, Dr-ift’s. 17, Fri-end. 19, Mo-i-re. 21, T-ense. 22, The-n. v
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
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW OUR AREA? Our beautiful slice of Auckland out here in the east has so many photogenic spots. We have historic places, beaches and reserves that could easily feature on a postcard. We’ve featured a few of these picturesque places and landmarks here. Do you know where these places are? See how many you can guess.
WIN! Enter your answers online at www.times.co.nz/competition/how-well-do-you-know-
1
our-area and you could be making delicious toasted sandwiches with this stylish sandwich press from Breville.
2
3
4
5
7 1 12 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
6
8
10
9
11
12
13
15
14
16
17 TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 13
KIDS BOOKS APRIL 22 MAKE A
dif ference
Climate change, scientific research and greater health awareness all influenced the launch of the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. This year, more than one billion people across 192 countries will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with many seeking ways to reduce waste, cut down on plastics, and, of course, help reduce the world’s carbon footprint. While there are many ways to make a positive impact on the planet, adults can help by reducing their “food-print” and teaching children to do the same in order to make our food system more sustainable. Growing, producing, transporting and storing food has both positives and negatives but as Earth Day approaches things to consider are: • Eat more plant-based meals. Livestock production accounts for a high proportion of agricultural emissions and agricultural land use. Why not introduce one or two plant-based meals to the family dinner table each week and try reducing meat portion sizes – while there are benefits in eating meat, too often we eat more meat than is necessary. • Buy local and in season. Many of us are accustomed to eating the same fruits and vegetables year-round, but this can significantly increase the amount of transportation emissions released into the atmosphere. Instead, select recipes which use seasonal ingredients and shop at local farmers’ markets. Youngsters will enjoy this experience and local cottage industries will appreciate the support.
MIDDLE SCHOOL – MASTER OF DISASTER Rafe rides again! All the most popular characters from James Patterson’s treasured Middle School series are back in action for another comedic adventure. Along with another misunderstood troublemaker, Jimmy, Rafe is tasked with running a celebration of books and reading but can they keep everything on track or will they go off the rails? James Patterson & Chris Tebbetts (illustrator): Middle School – Master of Disaster | RRP $18.99 | Arrow
KIA KAHA – TOGETHER, STANDING STRONG Irish rugby players may boast of being ‘together, standing strong’, but only Kiwis know how to kia kaha! Best suited to little ones aged three to seven years of age, this book is a rousing celebration of all the many cultures that call Aotearoa home. And, thanks to its accompanying CD, they can learn a heartwarming song in both Maori and English.
• Encourage children to nurture a small veggie patch. You don’t need to go all out with a big project. Start with easy to grow silver beet, a few herbs (parsley, for example), and depending on the season, a potted tomato plant, some buttercrunch lettuce, or a few potatoes. They will enjoying picking the fruits of their labour and perhaps eating them too! It may even save on the grocery bill.
June Pitman-Hayes, Ngaere Roberts (Maori lyrics) & Minky Stapleton (illustrator): Kia Kaha – Together, standing strong | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic
• Reduce food waste. Tonnes of food stuffs are thrown out by households and businesses every year. Plan your meals, follow a grocery list and store food properly to ensure you buy only the food you need and that it doesn’t spoil.
This very Kiwi (or moa, at least!) take on a timeless biblical story, imagines what it would be like if Noah had a pair of moa – who are constantly asking him ‘Are we there yet?’ along for the ride. A charming story, best enjoyed by children aged three to seven years, Moa’s Ark is liable to earn a few chuckles from parents too.
• Go at your own pace. Adopting climate-conscious food habits doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing commitment. Even small changes can have a significant impact on the environment. We are told that opting for an plant-based burger is the emissionreduction equivalent of not driving 500 plus kilometres! Without a sustainable transformation, the environmental harm caused by the global food system is expected to nearly double by 2050. However, discovering new recipes and experimenting with fresh ingredients is a delicious solution to this serious issue. 14 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
MOA’S ARK
Peter Millett & Shaun Yeo (illustrator): Moa’s Ark | RRP $17.99 | Scholastic
BUBBLE Boredom Beaters START A FAMILY TREE If no one in the household has created a family tree why not start now? Learning about the ancestors can give everyone a sense of identity and might unearth some little known facts, too. However, building a family tree can be daunting that’s why making it a family project and sharing tasks can be fun. Start by finding a template online to which you can easily add family members as you find them. Give each family member a job they’re responsible for. If you have older kids, ask them to do some research online. Ancestry.com should provide a valuable starting point but perhaps you also have old photos and documents tucked away which have never been properly examined. Now’s the time to start and remember to contact wider family members who might be able to provide information you don’t have.
TEACHING DOGS NEW TRICKS Is your family dog a bit of a tearaway? Is chewing on old socks or running off with your best shoes your pet’s idea of fun? This lockdown period is the ideal time to teach some manners to canines who lead owners on a merry chase. Many folk take their new pups to puppy school but that’s where the formal training frequently stops – often, more is needed. Start with the basics before moving to more complicated commands and remember to use the reward system. However, don’t be tempted into rewarding before a command is properly carried out. Use daily walks to bring man’s best friend to heel, and to stop before crossing roads or other traffic areas. This is something the whole whanau can enjoy but be sure everyone is on the same page and no one alters the training rule or weakens when doggy eyes beg for unearned treats!
KEEP TODDLERS BUSY Toddlers can be trying at the best of times but when restricted to the home day in, day out, they can become scratchy especially if accustomed to attending day care with other children, having plenty of toys, and enjoying a variety of activities. So, why not plan a mini day care programme at home? Create a timetable factoring in plenty of snack times, to break up play modules. The latter could include 45 minutes in the garden looking for insects, picking flowers, or playing ball. If you have a trampoline, bounce time is fun exercise and will help tire little ones
ahead of a nap. If the weather is fine, build in some water play. Follow up with snacks – indoors or out. Indoor activities could including skittles – make your own – dressing up, puzzle time, music with dancing and another snack. Little ones love to help with washing up – stand them up at the sink and let them wash plastic cups and similar items. Bring out the play dough or make your own dough; have them ‘help’ with simple baking tasks including licking the spoon!
Bath time is one way to have fun and clean up too. There are plenty of ideas beyond screen time to keep toddlers entertained and ask older siblings to help so everyone has time out and time to interact.
TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 15
CAULIFLOWER PRICES
ON THE MARCH No one likes price rises. Remember the angst in the first week of lockdown about supermarket prices? A shopper from our bubble was aghast particularly at the cauliflowers selling at $13 each. Thankfully prices have eased. Stats NZ has sifted through the numbers. Cauliflower prices rose more than 60 per cent in March, as prices for a wide range of vegetables also increased in the month, Stats NZ said this week. Prices for vegetables rose in March 2020 (up 7.4 per cent), mainly influenced by rises for broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower, capsicums, and carrots. Overall food prices were up 0.7 per
cent, with most other staple foods holding steady, although prices for many meat products fell. Cauliflower prices rose 64 per cent to a weighted average price of $5.75 per kilo. “This reflects the average prices over the whole month. Some shoppers may have seen higher prices towards the end of the month, with media reports
16 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
of $10 or more for a single cauliflower,” consumer prices manager Sarah Johnson said. Cauliflower prices reached an all-time peak of $8.35 a kilo in March 2018. Other substantial vegetable price rises in March 2020 included: • b roccoli – up 37 per cent to a weighted average price of $2.87 per 350-gram head • cucumber – up 60 per cent to a weighted average price of $7.63 per kilo • capsicums, green (else red) – up 13 per cent to a weighted average price of $13.33 per kilo • carrots – up 11 per cent to a weighted average price of $2.48 per kilo.
Tomatoes, onions, iceberg lettuce, and cabbage also saw price rises.
PRICES FOR STAPLES HOLD STEADY
Fruit prices fell 2.2 per cent in\ March 2020. Prices for apples (down 26 per cent) and pears (down 15 per cent) both fell in typical seasonal patterns.
The prices of other stple items remained relatively stable in March.
HOW FOOD PRICES ARE COLLECTED
Prices for meat, poultry, and fish were flat, while prices for grocery food, including bread and dairy products, rose 0.2 per cent.
“The level 4 response to Covid-19 has affected the way we collect food prices,” Johnson said. “Fresh fruit and vegetable prices are normally collected on Thursday and Friday each week by Stats NZ staff around the country who visit supermarkets and greengrocers. The first three weeks of this month’s fresh fruit and vegetable data was collected this way. However, in the final week of the month, the Covid-19 level 4 alert meant our staff could not go out to collect prices in stores. Instead they collected data via supermarket websites, with little impact on results for the month of March.”
“While the weighted average price of porterhouse and sirloin steak hit an alltime high of $32.66 per kilo in March, prices for a number of other meat and poultry products fell,” Mrs Johnson said. “Prices for chicken pieces fell 7 per cent to a weighted average price of $7.83 per kilo, while prices for lamb chops were down 3.7 percent to a weighted average price of $17.74 per kilo.” Prices for beef sausages, beef mince, and bacon also fell. Bread prices rose 0.3 per cent and prices for milk, cheese, and eggs rose 0.2 per cent.
“Prices for all foods except fresh fruit and vegetables were collected before the level 4 response started during our standard in-store monthly price collection between 9 and 16 March. “Our staff visit a wide range of stores including supermarkets, dairies, service stations, butchers and fish shops, restaurants, and takeaway food outlets.” From April onwards Stats NZ field staff will collect monthly data from websites and by calling stores. Stats NZ is receiving data directly from some large retailers and working with others to expand coverage.
FOOD PRICES UP IN YEAR TO MARCH Annually, food prices increased 3.3 per cent, mainly influenced by higher prices for meat, poultry, and fish (up 7.5 percent), and grocery food (up 3.2 per cent). These increases were partly offset by fruit and vegetable prices, which decreased 1.0 percent.
TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 17
FISH & PRAWN PANANG CURRY It might have taken a school (Auckland Seafood School) to create this recipe in the first place but much less fresh fish is needed to cook up this dish plus some yummy prawns too. Thanks also to Seafood NZ for sharing this recipe from The New Zealand Seafood Cookbook, published by Penguin NZ.
Photo supplied, Sean Shadbolt, The New Zealand Seafood Cookbook
The days are cooler so this spicy Panang Curry is sure to warm through and through.
Serves four Cooking time: 40 mins
INGREDIENTS Panang curry paste • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 tsp of coriander seeds 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds 1 cardamom pod 1/4 tsp of salt 1/4 tsp of black peppercorns 1 long green chilli 6 dried red chillies, seeds removed and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes 2cm of galangal, sliced 5cm of lemon grass stalks, sliced 4 kaffir lime leaves, de-stemmed and roughly torn 1 bunch of coriander leaves, chopped stem and root 1 shallot, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 tsp of shrimp paste
Panang curry • • • • • • • • • •
1 tbsp peanut oil 200mls coconut milk 1 cup eggplant, cut into a large diced 30mls fish sauce 1 tsp dark palm sugar 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced 400g Warehou 400g raw prawns, tails on 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 1 long red chilli, thinly sliced
METHOD Panang curry paste Place the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamom pod in a frying pan and dry roast. Place in a mortar and pestle, add salt and peppercorns, and grind into a powder. Add the remaining ingredients and pound to form a paste (or use a processor or blender). Panang curry Place a large frying pan on a medium heat and add oil. When hot, add curry paste. Fry for two minutes or until the paste is
18 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK
cooked and very fragrant. Add coconut cream, reserving one tablespoon for the garnish, and bring to the boil. Add diced eggplant, then coconut milk. Reduce heat and simmer for three minutes. Add fish and prawns and simmer until the seafood is just cooked. Remove frying pan from heat and add basil leaves. Serve curry in bowls garnished with a drizzle of reserved coconut cream, and a sprinkle of reserved shredded kaffir lime leaf, and sliced red chilli. For more recipies visit www.seafood.co.nz