Local News

Police have thanked St John Ambulance volunteers and members of the public, along with the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter, for their assistance following two incidents at Porangahau on Tuesday.

In the first incident, emergency services were called to an accident involving a motorbike.

Senior Constable John Singer said the incident happened shortly before midday when a motorcyclist, who was travelling in a group of three, lost control on a corner on Porangahau Road, near Cooks Tooth Road.

He said a 53-year old was transported to Hawke’s Bay Regional Hospital with an injured hand and for observation.

A short time later, the Rescue Helicopter was called back to attend an incident at Te Paerahi Beach.

Mr Singer said a 9-year old boy got caught in a rip, and was pulled out by his father.

Both were taken to hospital for a check-up to ensure they hadn’t ingested any water.

Mr Singer said both were aided by other beach goers seeing the two in trouble in the surf.

He gave his express thanks to the attendance of the Rescue Helicopter, St John volunteers and members of the public that assisted at the crash scene and shortly after at the beach.

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Hawke’s Bay is incredibly close to having more than 90% of the population fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health said in a statement that the Hawke’s Bay DHB was only 192 doses short of the 90% milestone.

Once the milestone is reached, Hawke’s Bay will be the 12th DHB in the country to reach 90% fully vaccinated.

Those wanting to get vaccinated over the holiday period can check the website www.ourhealthhb.nz for locations.

For those wanting to get tested, the Central Hawke’s Bay Drive-Through Testing Clinic will operate from Wednesday until Friday between 9am and 4pm behind the CHB Health Centre.

Testing will not be available this Saturday and Sunday, but will resume on Monday and Tuesday next week between 11am and 1.30pm.

No appointments are necessary.