Three local Police Officers have been recognised for their efforts during last year’s response to Cyclone Gabrielle - being presented with Police Commissioner Commendations.
Sergeants Neil Baker and Damion Davies, along with Senior Constable John Singer were presented with the commendations by Commissioner Andrew Coster and Police Minister Mark Mitchell during a celebration for Hawkes Bay staff in Hastings recently.
Baker and Davies managed the Police response for Central Hawkes Bay during the cyclone and oversaw the rescue of a number of residents, some from the roofs of their houses with the use of a helicopter.
While conducting one such rescue in Waipawa, Sergeant Davies became trapped on Pourerere Road by flood waters on either side and was required to walk some distance before catching a ride with a local farmer.
Senior Constable Singer - the sole charge officer in Pörangahau - managed the Police response there, which saw the area cut off from CHB and required the evacuation of a number of residential addresses, including his own.
Sergeant Neil Baker said they accepted the awards on behalf of not only all Police staff in Central Hawkes Bay, but for all the response team that came together at the time to assist. He said there was a tremendous community effort which was amazing to be part of.
A possum found in the water treatment tank for the Woodville water supply has seen a Boil Water Notice issued for the town.
The notice was issued by the Tararua District Council yesterday afternoon as a precautionary measure until further investigation, flushing and testing is completed.
The Council said in a statement that no contaminants such as E. coli have been detected in the water network, and that routine sampling was ongoing.
Residents of Woodville are advised to boil their water before drinking, brushing teeth, preparing infant formula, food preparation, and making ice until further notice. Council conducted a letter drop to affected properties last night.
With the Art Deco Festival underway, and thousands of people expected in the region over the coming days, Central Hawke’s Bay is getting in on the action.
An Art Deco Market is planned for Russell Park in Waipukurau tomorrow.
Organisers say they have over 70 stalls – including food trucks – along with live entertainment, including an Art Deco performer.
150 highland dancers will take part in a competition during the event, which will also feature a vintage car display. The CHB Aero Club will conduct a flyover from 11am.
The Art Deco Market will run from 10am to 2pm. On Sunday, an Art Deco Silent Movie is being played at the CHB Municipal Theatre in Waipawa.
The movie – Buster Keaton’s classic – “The General” will be accompanied by international organist, Chris Hainsworth.
Tickets, which are available on Eventfinda, cost $30 with profits going to the Takapau Health Centre.
The 40th Paladin Sports Hawke’s Bay Rugby Sevens tournament is on tomorrow.
Men’s, women’s, and colts teams from across the Hurricanes franchise will take part in games, which kick-off at 9am tomorrow.
The Ian Baker Memorial Trophy is the main prize of the day, with the Central Hawke’s Bay Rugby & Sports Club putting up $12,000 in prizes.
With a lot of traffic expected around Russell Park and Central Park in Waipukurau tomorrow due to the Sevens and Art Deco Market, the CHB A & P Show committee will open its carpark for the public to use.
