Business as usual for farmers
It was business as usual for Middlemarch farmer Lindsay Carruthers last week as he pushed lambs up to the weigh scales for Anton Gibson. Photo: Alice ScottIt is business as usual for farmers around the country, despite Covid-19. Emeritus Prof Frank Griffin says that as the nation scrambles to contain the virus, the food sector will continue as normal. ‘‘What I do think we may see is a dramatic resolution for this virus and following this initial upheaval people will eventually become desensitised and begin to get on with life.’’Meanwhile, Ag Proud NZ has called for compassion among farmers. ‘‘Ag Proud NZ encourages rural communities to remain humble and focus on what we do best; producing world-class food,’’ he wrote.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 15:22 UTC
CBD empties as lockdown looms
Photos: Mark PriceIt seems a strange way to define a town locking down, but in Wanaka yesterday the empty car parks were multiplying. Every business in the CBD had parks right outside their doors as in the ‘‘good old days’’— before the tourism boom. Businesses are either closed or closing as they prepare for the official lockdown at midnight tonight. Wanaka Primary School staff met yesterday, in the hall rather than the staff room to allow for one metre of separation. The only staff at school would be the teacher for the class of seven, Ms Bamford and the office manager.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 15:22 UTC
Food sector to continue as normal: Professor
Emeritus Prof Frank Griffin says that as the nation scrambles to contain the virus, the food sector will continue as normal. ‘‘No amount of politicking or grandstanding will change what has happened in the past or what people are currently experiencing. ‘‘We are coming to terms with a completely new vocabulary: pandemic, recession, depression, social distancing, self-isolation. These terms weren’t even on our radars just weeks ago, yet are creating uncertainty and very real anxieties for Kiwis. Now is the time for unity, for community spirit and to help all our whanau through whatever lies ahead.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 15:22 UTC
Steel squad ready themselves to train alone
Netball is a team game, so it is going to be difficult for players to train by themselves. But that is the agenda for the Southern Steel side for the next four weeks as players get ready to go into lockdown. The Steel played one game in its season, going down to the Magic in Dunedin, in a match in front of no spectators because of Covid-19 restrictions. ‘‘Netball is obviously a team game so it is going to be a big challenge to carry on and to keep working through this,’’ she said. But it is going to be really challenging.’’She said the players have taken netball, tennis balls and other equipment to maintain sharpness.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 15:22 UTC
Supermarket food waste a complex conundrum
Food waste is a hot topic these days. Until recently no-one knew how much food supermarkets wasted. ‘‘I remember the discourse at the time — ‘We don’t waste food’ — they wouldn’t even admit to having food waste,’’ Associate Prof Miranda Mirosa, of the University of Otago’s food science department, said. While they were doing fairly well in comparison, there were still unacceptable amounts of food going to waste and lots of room for improvement, she said. It was a complex issue, Prof Mirosa said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 14:26 UTC
Elderberry tonic
Once this process is completed pour the elderberry liquid into a clean, heavy based pot. Add the honey or sugar and dissolve over a low heat, turn up the heat so the syrup reaches a rapid boil. The syrup is ready when you can coat the spoon with the thick elderberry syrup. You don’t want it runny like water but you don’t want it thick like honey. To serve the elderberry tonic you can take it straight by the teaspoon or add hot water and enjoy as a nourishing drink.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 14:26 UTC
Owners list rentals, seek clarity
Kathryn SequeAirbnb properties are being converted to rentals in Dunedin in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. In the last week there have been about 80 new rental properties listed on auction website Trade Me and the Otago Property Investors Association described that increase as ‘‘substantial’’. She said property owners would need to ask themselves whether it was ‘‘better to have something than a whole lot of nothing’’. So it probably is a good move in this point in time to have more of those rentals on the market. ‘‘Some guidelines about rental property contact with tenants would be greatly appreciated during this time.’’jacob.mcsweeny@odt.co.nz
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 12:56 UTC
Players braced for financial hit
Rugby players are fully aware there is going to be an impact on their pay packets, says the man who looks after their affairs. With limited income coming in from broadcasters, as they have no product to show, and players still being paid, the financial crunch is coming. New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association (NZRPA) chief executive Rob Nichol said the association and players were fully aware of what was happening and what needs to be done. With the decision to open up the financial support package by the Government on Monday, New Zealand Rugby will qualify for assistance as an incorporated society. ‘‘Rugby players in New Zealand might have to prepare for that, but that’s just my opinion.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 12:56 UTC
Families encouraged to structure the days
‘‘We know how important it’s going to be for families and children to be in some sort of routine once April 15 comes around. Maybe do some for about an hour and then have a physical activity break and something to eat and drink. Just try to keep the days like school days, Monday to Friday. ‘‘A lot of it will be broadening and extending the learning that children have already been doing. For pupils who did not have electronic devices at home, schools were providing them along with support for internet connections, she said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 12:56 UTC
Autumnal turn beckons red wines
Price: $27.99Rating: Good to very goodWhite pepper, sweat, funky notes, red & dark fruits, milk chocolate and savoury elements. Supple entry, accenting raspberry and red fruits with that funky note carrying through the wine. www.sacredhill.comPrice: $39.99Rating: ExcellentMilk chocolate, hard caramel, tilled earth, black pepper, plum and dark berries with a whiff of seashell. Medium-bodied style, that core of spices runs through the wine, adding earthy, savoury and slightly funky notes with smoke and herb on the close. www.trinityhill.comPrice: $89.99Rating: ExcellentSubtle but complex nose with earth, hard caramel, smoke, charcuterie darker fruits and a little wild funkiness.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 12:56 UTC
Maintaining an active life is important in these uncertain times
When we think about sport, we think about all the elements which go into that, from play right through to high performance. Being activeBeing active helps us to set and maintain routines, it can boost energy and strengthen our immune system. Sport Southland will be posting regular tips and examples of ways to be active. As a leader for sport and active recreation, Sport Southland is reviewing how best to support the community right now across all our teams, and we are also starting to plan for the future. McKenzie stresses the importance of rituals and routines in uncertain times.
Source:Stuff
March 24, 2020 12:56 UTC
NZ calls for Tokyo Games to be postponed
Photo: ReutersThe United States has added its significant weight to calls for the Tokyo Games to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with New Zealand Olympic organisers seeking a swift decision to allow teams to reset and prepare for a delayed event. The IOC and Japanese government have announced a month-long consultation before a final decision is made. Efforts to contain it have led to major travel, commercial and social restrictions, which have also disrupted many athletes’ preparations for the Games. A poll showed about 70% of the Japanese think it is appropriate to delay the Olympics, the Sankei said. Major Cold War boycotts also disrupted the Moscow and Los Angeles Games in 1980 and 1984.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 07:52 UTC
Coronavirus: Plea for hikers, hunters, bikers and fishers to stay home
Hikers, hunters, mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts are being asked to stay home while high level coronavirus restrictions are in place. Email michael.hayward@stuff.co.nz123rf People are being asked not to go on any long or difficult hikes during the coronavirus restrictions. Peter Meecham Hunters will be packing away their guns, right as peak deer hunting season hits. Gale has cancelled a 10-day hunting trip which he said was "absolutely gutting". There is about one month left in the trout fishing season, while the duck hunting season start is about a month away.
Source:Stuff
March 24, 2020 07:52 UTC
Coronavirus: Christchurch council takes on emergency powers during lockdown
New emergency provisions have been enacted to allow Christchurch City Council to make decisions during the nationwide lockdown. All scheduled committee and community board meetings have been cancelled and a new emergency committee has been formed. Under Local Government rules nine elected members have to be present in the council chamber before a meeting can go ahead, but the new emergency committee will require a quorum of just two members. All 16 councillors and Mayor Lianne Dalziel are members of the emergency committee. IAIN MCGREGOR/STUFF Christchurch City Council unanimously approved a set of new rules that will allow the council to continue making decisions as the city prepares to go into lockdown.
Source:Stuff
March 24, 2020 07:07 UTC
Travel deadline extended, students struggling to get home
The deadline for getting home on domestic flights, trains and Cook Strait ferries has been extended until midnight on Friday. Victoria University has asked students in student accommodation to go home, and students in other cities are choosing to go because they have lost part-time jobs or been deserted by their flatmates. Transport Minister Phil Twyford announced this afternoon that the deadline for getting home on domestic flights, trains and Cook Strait ferries had been extended until midnight on Friday. Lenihan-Ikin said the biggest travel problems were for students trying to get home to the North Island from Otago. In light of this, the Cabinet Covid-19 Committee agreed to extend the deadline for domestic travel until midnight on Friday.
Source:Otago Daily Times
March 24, 2020 07:06 UTC