Keeping our town centres safe

A person fell ill after swimming in Lake Hood near Ashburton due to toxic blue-green algae, as warned by Te Whatu Ora. The National Public Health Service specialist highlighted symptoms such as asthma, skin rashes, and neurological effects caused by cyanobacteria toxins. Weekly testing by Canterbury Regional Council is conducted, but concentrations can fluctuate due to weather conditions, with the bacteria being common in Canterbury lakes during summer and autumn. Full Article

Carla Bickel leads the Cockle Bay School Carnival with Junior Journalist Pia Grover, showcasing a fun-filled community event on March 29 from 11am to 3pm. Activities include book and toy sales, a Willy Wonka room, games, rides, a science room, and special guests like Health Minister Simeon Brown. Donations are accepted beforehand, and sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses. Join the festivities at Cockle Bay School for a day of entertainment, food, and enjoyment....

Police in Wellington have charged a 27-year-old man for multiple counts of sexual indecency on buses, targeting women traveling alone on the Metlink bus network. The man is set to appear in court next Monday. The victims are receiving support from authorities. Full Article

Ashburton ratepayers face increased costs for water services as the council explores a new management model through public consultation. The preferred option is a stand-alone business unit, with potential for community input to sway the decision. The decision must be submitted to the Government by September 3, with options including in-house management or a water services council-controlled organization. Full Article

Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, where Aotearoa writers and guests share their reading habits. This week, Mairātea Mohi discusses her admiration for Horrible Histories, the importance of fan fiction and indie publishing, and the treasured diary of her whānau's stories. She recalls a mysterious childhood book featuring a character with her name and shares her eclectic reading preferences, from Pacific Arts Aotearoa to Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Lastly, Mohi...

The 100-year-old Raymond Irrigation District in Canada is transitioning from open water races to pipelines inspired by Central Plains Water Ltd in Canterbury, New Zealand, to improve efficiency and sustainability. By learning from CPW's experience, RID aims to implement gravity pressure pipeline systems to reduce energy consumption, enhance water management, and plan for long-term sustainability, aligning with global water management challenges and the need for innovative, forward-thinking solutions. The exchange of ideas between RID and...