A second COVID-19 ward is due to be opened at Palmerston North Hospital.
Te Whatu Ora MidCentral says the second ward is in response to the increasing number of inpatients with COVID-19.
Currently there are 47 people in Palmerston North Hospital with COVID-19, and further admissions are expected.
The second COVID-19 ward will be in Ward 27, with current patients in this ward being relocated.
Te Whatu Ora MidCentral says opening two dedicated wards will allow more staffing efficiency, as well as supporting patients who require longer stays.
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Hawke’s Bay Police are urging tradies and DIY enthusiasts to secure and label their work tools.
The region has seen thirty thefts from vehicles in the last three months.
Senior Constable Pehi Potaka says Police locate tools on a regular basis but most of them have not been engraved or the serial numbers recorded so they cannot be returned to their owners.
He says Police actively investigate stolen property and endeavour to hold offenders to account but need owners to do their part to prevent theft.
Mr Potaka says tradies should also take care where they park their vehicles and remove their tools if possible.
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With the Local Body Election period now underway, the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council will hold an information evening for prospective candidates tonight.
The evening is an opportunity for candidates to learn how the Council is structured, along with the roles and responsibilities of elected representatives.
Time commitments and meeting schedules, along with an overview of the nomination and election process will also be outlined.
The meeting is at the Council Chambers in Waipawa from 6.30 tonight.
A similar evening is planned by the Tararua District Council in Pahiatua tomorrow night.
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The Dannevirke Host Lions Bonanza Book Sale gets underway today.
Organisers have been sorting through thousands of books and setting up the Dannevirke Town Hall for the four-day sale.
Books covering nearly every topic will be available, along with DVD’s, puzzles, and games, with the doors swinging open at the Town Hall at nine o’clock this morning.
Today, tomorrow, Friday and Saturday will see the Book Sale run from 9am to 5pm, with Sunday’s final day, 10am to 2pm.