A man has died following an incident at Whangaehu Beach yesterday.
Emergency services were called just before 1pm to a report that a man had been struck by a tractor on a driveway at a Whangaehu Beach property, south of Porangahau.
A 78 year old man died at the scene, with his death being referred to the Coroner.
----------------
Initial test results of identified close contacts linked to a known COVID-19 case isolating in the region have returned negative for the virus.
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said investigations are continuing with the case and identified close contacts.
More close contacts were being interviewed yesterday with priority testing underway.
Dr Eyre said the case, from Auckland, was tested before departure for COVID-19 and received results after arriving into the region.
The person is now at a community isolation facility at Kennedy Park in Napier.
Dr Eyre said the case is not in any way linked to a potential exposure investigated by public health in Central Hawke’s Bay last week where the risk was deemed low.
----------------------
Rugby player Tom Parsons was named Supreme Sportsperson of the Year at the Central Hawke’s Bay Sports Awards on Friday night.
Parsons was also named the Ruahine Motors Senior Sportsperson at the online awards ceremony.
Other winners from the night :
Unichem Junior Sportsperson – Harry Godfrey; Central FM Coach – Wayne Marsh; Plus Rehab Senior Team – the Waipawa Butchery CHB Premier Cricket Team; Caltex Junior Team – CHB College First XV Rugby; LMS Insure Club – CHB Rugby & Sports Club; Findex Administrator – Kim McKay; Forsyth Barr Community Impact – the Takapau Tennis Club.
Lachie Kirk was awarded the New World Waipukurau Emerging Talent Award; and Jennifer Aldridge, Jamie Welch and Colin Schaw were recognised with Sloans Service to Sport Awards.
------------------------
A campaign to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates in Central Hawke’s Bay to over 90% gets underway today.
In a partnership between Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board, local health providers, community organisations and the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, a pop-up vaccination van will be in the district all week.
CHB Mayor Alex Walker said this is the last chance to fit in both vaccinations before Christmas so there will be access to vaccinations every single day this week.
She said all the options are covered – for those working shifts, those who have no access to transport, or just need a bit of time to sit with a trusted professional to have a chat about what vaccination means.
Ms Walker said with only 350 people in the District yet to receive their first vaccination, Central Hawke’s Bay is tantalisingly close to getting to the 90% target.
She said getting the vaccination is best way to get protected and if we can follow it up with the 1500 people who also need their second shot, Central Hawke’s Bay will be very well placed to enjoy their summer.
Today the vaccination van will be at Russell Park Waipukurau between 3pm and 8pm. No appointments are necessary.
Further details are available at www.ourhealthhb.nz.
-----------------------
Congratulations to Janet Castell, Amo Williams and Ken Hamlin who were all presented Waipukurau RSA Life Membership Awards yesterday.
Wairarapa District President Peter Jackson and National RNZRSA Chief Executive Marty Donoghue made the presentations at the Waipukurau RSA Christmas party yesterday.
