Category Archives: New Zealand

A group of New Zealand's leading health professionals are pushing for the government to be better prepared for an outbreak of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.

A group of experts suggest New Zealand needs an "explicit shift" from a suppression approach to mitigation. (File image) Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

So far, there have been few cases of the highly transmissible variant in New Zealand in the community - the latest being an Auckland MIQ worker.

But Omicron has lead to a dramatic spike in cases globally, including in Australia where more than 100,000 Covid-19 new cases were reported each day for four days in a row last week.

University of Otago professors Michael Baker and Nick Wilson, doctors Jennifer Summers and Amanda Kvalsvig, and University of Auckland's Dr Matire Harwood said the government must "increase measures to delay the arrival of the Omicron variant to give more preparation time".

"We can expect an Omicron outbreak to be very intense."

They suggested an "explicit shift" from a suppression approach to mitigation, and upgrading the alert level system because "ultimately the traffic light system lacks an adequate range of tools".

Baker told RNZ this did not necessarily mean a return to a strict level 4 lockdown: "it might be alert level 3 - a lighter version of that with people working from home if they could".

The timing of the phased reopening of borders was "too early" in their view, despite the government already pushing the first two phases back to an unspecified end-of-February date.

It was also "necessary to greatly reduce the number of infected travellers arriving in [the country]", they said.

The group suggested an urgent tightening of pre-departure testing requirements, which were recently relaxed to allow travellers coming from some places to provide rapid antigen tests (RAT) instead of PCR tests.

"One option would be to add in a requirement for RAT at overseas airports immediately prior to departure, alongside the current PCR requirement 48 hours prior to departure."

There is a "much better chance" of delaying Omicron's arrival if New Zealand can "push the number of active border cases down to a more manageable number", ideally less than five a day, they said. And the use of RATs should play "an increasingly important role", but must be introduced "in a way that supports better decision-making and equity".

Now that RAT tests can be bought privately the group called for "a system that allows members of the public to upload the results of RATs to support ongoing disease surveillance".

Thorough advice and support must be provide for people to manage Covid-19 infection at home the group said, with overseas experience suggesting most of those infected with the Omicron variant could be cared for at home.

This advice should help people recognise if they are "seriously" sick and need additional help, what supplies they should have to manage symptoms, and guidance to minimise household transmission.

They warned that with an Omicron outbreak, "contact tracing will be rapidly overwhelmed ... and soon become ineffective" and measures seen in the previous alert level system might be the "main tools to 'flatten the curve' ".

The group said elimination of the Delta variant was "technically possible" and this would put New Zealand "in a better position if it could be achieved before Omicron starts to circulate widely".

In a briefing earlier today, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand would move to the red traffic light setting if there was an Omicron outbreak.

"What I expect is over the coming weeks to be able to share with you some of the additional preparation that has been done over and above the work that we did on Delta, for the specific issue of Omicron and what it represents. We have the ability to learn from other nations and see the impact or the way that Omicron is behaving and prepare ourselves."

Ardern said this would mean changes including to the way testing, isolation and contact tracing was done, and the details would be shared in the coming weeks.

Original post:

Covid-19: Experts list steps New Zealand government needs to take to fight Omicron - RNZ

WASHINGTON

New Zealand began inoculating 5- to11-year-old children Monday with Pfizers pediatric COVID vaccine. More than 120,000 vaccines have been delivered to 500 vaccination centers around the country, the health ministry said.

Getting vaccinated now is a great way to help protect tamariki (children) before they go back to school, Dr. Anthony Jordan, Aucklands COVID-19 vaccination program clinical director, said in a statement. The evidence shows that while children may have milder symptoms, some will still get very sick and end up in hospital if they do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated also helps to prevent them from passing it on to vulnerable family members, he added.

The omicron surge has not yet peaked in the U.S., Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, warned Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. The next few weeks could be tough, he cautioned, but noted that there has been a drop in cases in some locations, including New York and New Jersey.

The new self-isolation period for people with COVID in England has been reduced from ten days to five full days. The new measure went into effect Monday.

This is a balanced and proportionate approach to restore extra freedoms and reduce the pressure on essential public services over the winter, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. It is crucial people only stop self-isolating after two negative tests to ensure you are not infectious.

The Credit Suisse Group, a Switzerland-based global investment bank, has announced the resignation of its chairman Antonio Horta-Osorio, after an investigation revealed that Horta-Osorio had violated COVID-19 protocols, including attending Wimbledon tennis tournament finals in London in July.

I regret that a number of my personal actions have led to difficulties for the bank and compromised my ability to represent the bank internally and externally, Horta-Osorio said in a statement on the Credit Suisses website.

UNICEFs executive director said Saturdays shipment of 1.1 million COVID-19 vaccines to Rwanda included the billionth dose supplied to COVAX. Henrietta Fore said, With so many people yet to be offered a single dose, we know we have much more to do.

COVAX is the international alliance working to ensure that equitable allotment of COVID-19 vaccines to low- and medium-income countries.

The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center reported early Monday that it has recorded 328.1 million global COVID-19 infections and 5.5 million deaths. The center said 9.7 billion vaccines have been administered.

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New Zealand Begins Vaccinating 5-to-11-Year-Olds - VOA News

A new Chinese ambassador who has previously worked on the countrys controversial belt and road initiative (BRI) has arrived in New Zealand, prompting speculation Beijing is planning to focus on deepening economic ties with New Zealand as the two countries navigate growing diplomatic challenges.

Wang Xiaolong, who replaced former ambassador Wu Xi, previously served as director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministrys department of international economic affairs. In that role, Wang helped oversee the BRI which seeks to deepen economic ties between China and other countries and is a key focus of President Xi Jinping.

The initiative has prompted some scepticism from world governments, particularly those in the west, about Beijings motives, with claims the BRI is largely an influence operation. In December the EU announced Global Gateway, a 300bn infrastructure spending project aimed at countering the BRI.

Wang appears to be more of a peace-maker figure than the crop of wolf warrior diplomats in other foreign postings. In October he said that some decoupling between the US and China was inevitable, particularly over technology. He called for China to recognise not just the challenge posed by the US but also its own growing strength and the rise of our influence and power to shape the global narrative.

Given Wangs background, discussions about New Zealand involvement in the BRI could grow, according to Dr Jason Young, director of the Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, who noted that the economic relationship between the two had held up really well compared to some other countries.

There was some New Zealand interest in the BRI under former prime minister John Keys centre-right National government. In 2017, China and New Zealand signed a memorandum of agreement to develop a plan for New Zealand involvement.

However that engagement stalled following the 2017 election of a Labour-New Zealand First coalition, which took a more sceptical view of the BRI amid reports that it involved debt-trap diplomacy, with some poorer countries unable to repay Chinese loans for BRI projects.

Last year, Wellington indicated a willingness to work with China on mutually beneficial BRI projects with an environmental emphasis. It remains unclear what that would involve.

Young said the New Zealand-China relationship has also come under pressure due to Chinas far more illiberal tendencies in recent years, including economic coercion of Australia and repressive policies in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

These challenges prompted New Zealand to criticise China more vocally than previously. It has occasionally signed on to criticisms of China issued by more hawkish Anglosphere countries Australia, the United States, Canada and the UK.

The government has expressed concern this could lead to trade repercussions. In an interview with the Guardian in 2021, foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta warned exporters to prepare for a potential storm of anger from China.

New Zealand officials have also become more cautious about the implications of growing Chinese aggression for the Indo-Pacific and New Zealand itself. A recent report by New Zealands Ministry of Defence warned that the country faces a substantially more challenging environment due, in part, to Chinas increasingly strong nationalist narrative.

Despite these challenges, New Zealands relationship with China remains relatively stable, said Young. If I were a guessing man, I would suggest [Wangs] focus will be on maintaining the relationship, in the sense of not having a deterioration like that [which] we saw in Australia.

Across the Tasman, government actions around Chinese political and economic interference sparked diplomatic conflict between the two countries, with China placing significant tariffs on some Australian exports. Recent Australian polling indicates 60% of Australians view China as a security threat.

Chinas embassy in New Zealand has been approached for comment.

Additional reporting by Helen Davidson

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Chinas choice of ambassador to New Zealand indicates focus on deepening economic ties - The Guardian

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Standing on a very empty Fox Glacier in early 2021. Pre-pandemic you needed to book heli-hikes well in advance because of their popularity.

As someone who has both lived in tourist towns and worked in the tourism industry for a decade, I have always had my finger on the pulse. Lets just say were in a bit of a coma, but one with an optimistic outcome.

Were coming on two years since our borders closed and the tourism industry was decimated here in New Zealand.

Deep down we all know that we cant stay closed off forever. Whether we like it or not, visitors will return to New Zealand, and likely in droves, especially as we now exist in the collective psyche as a place that did the pandemic right.

While individually none of us can wave a magic wand and change our current situation, we do have a choice over how we respond to the cards that weve been dealt. And with my glass half-full personality, Im totally embracing a New Zealand backcountry empty of international tourists.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Sunset over the Hump Ridge Track is one of my favourite tramping memories.

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This is going to be the summer of getting outdoors! At the peak of tourism in New Zealand, I found myself avoiding some places that were super crowded (hello Roys Peak) or felt that I missed out on certain tracks because the huts were booked out a year in advance (Milford Track, how you doing?).

Now theyre relatively empty and waiting for us!

We dont know how long this coma will last with no international visitors, so we might as well take advantage and enjoy an empty backcountry this summer.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

So many of the most popular backcountry huts remain empty or quiet these days.

A month ago, I was looking to get away for a few days and take advantage of an incredible weather window in Fiordland.

On a whim, I checked the iconic Routeburn Track Hut availability and saw that bookings were wide open. It was the same situation with all of the Great Walks; even the popular Milford Track had space, which I also eagerly booked.

Two days later, I found myself dusting off my tramping pack and walking under perfect clear blue skies along one of New Zealand's most beautiful walks.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Its never been a better time to get out and explore our own backyard, especially in the reserves and national parks.

Normally, the Great Walks book up a year in advance. Between the closed borders and the North Island lockdowns, the huts were maybe half-full at the most.

There was comfort and camaraderie between everyone those days on the track, and a collective feeling that something rather special was happening perhaps a glimpse into the New Zealand of decades ago.

Whether youre a seasoned tramper who enjoys a real challenge or someone looking to get out in nature more regularly, this is a fantastic season to give it a go without worrying about crowded huts or busy trails.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Use this summer to tick off some of the tramps and adventures that have been simmering in the back of your mind.

Im already planning my adventures in the backcountry this summer, including some harder tramps and missions.

With fewer people on the trails, it means you have to be more cautious than ever, especially as a solo tramper. While you can definitely never depend on someone finding you if you end up in a pickle (always carry an EPIRB/beacon and always share your plans), now it is even less so with fewer trampers out and about.

This means its really important to be safe and plan accordingly when youre heading off the grid, especially with most of our national parks out of mobile range.

Between DOC and Mountain Safety Councils Plan My Walk app, I carefully plan my adventures as safe as possible. No one wants to be winched off a mountain by rescuers.

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Face coverings are mandatory on all flights and public transport. Proof of vaccination and vaccine exemption may be required in some venues under the traffic light system. Follow the instructions at Covid19.govt.nz.

The rest is here:

Making the most of New Zealand's empty backcountry this summer - Stuff.co.nz

Summary

After a year riddled withturmoil and uncertainty, New Zealand seems to have entered2022 with a relatively better outlook. An improvement inleading economic indicators suggests that the Kiwiland maysee better times ahead as recovery is on the way. The recentrevival in major economic indicators has provided somerespite from the dismal scenario seen last year after theDelta variant caused global wreckage. In a way, the economyhas much to look forward to in the new year.

NewZealand has set a global example in curtailing the spread ofthe COVID-19 pandemic. The countrys stringent measuresagainst the virus helped it stand back on its feet followingthe 2020 recession. However, soon after, the Delta variantunfolded rapidly, causing major unrest in Auckland. Theresult was a slowdown in business activities, which opened anew can of worms for retail, manufacturing, travel, andconstruction sectors.

However, the central banksdecision to increase interest rates came perfectly timed,prompting a cool off in the overheated economy. With severaleconomic indicators suggesting a gradual recovery, furtherrate hikes can be expected in the monthsahead.

Against this backdrop, let us discuss some keymarket trends reflecting the resilience of the NZeconomy.

November 2021 was a month packed withpromising market forces, the most prominent being rise inemployment numbers. As per Stats NZ, the number of filledjobs rose 0.4% month-on-month in November, representing anaddition of 9,395 jobs. The substantial increase in jobs wasseen in the construction sector and professional, scientific& technical services domain, where jobs surged by 8.6%and 8.2%, respectively.

A major chunk of these newlyfilled positions belonged to Auckland residents, where thenumber of filled jobs increased by 4.7% relative to November2020. Moreover, the Bay of Plenty recorded the largestyearly jump of 4.9% in the number of filledjobs.

Notably, the ANZ monthly economic indicator alsohinted at the sharp recovery of the countrys labourmarket from pandemic-induced disruptions. The InfometricsMonthly Employment indicator suggested thehigher-than-expected resilience at the tail end of prolongedDelta restrictions and indicated earnings rising at thefastest pace on record. The rise in wages can be credited tothe additional bargaining power achieved by the workersamidst the lack of a skilled workforce.

Supplyconstraints have sent property prices to new all-time highsover the last one and a half years, urging many to take atimely exit from the market. However, the latest reportssuggest that new dwellings have risen at a record-breakingrate in New Zealand. Stats NZ reported that new dwellingsconsented finally rose by 0.6% in November 2021, afterdecreasing by 2.1% in October. Relative to November 2020,new dwellings consented surged by 26% to 48,522dwellings.

Notably, 2,126 new stand-alone housesconsented in November alone. Additionally, Canterbury sawthe sharpest hike of 30% in new dwellingsconsented.

The rising work-from-home culture hasredefined how people view their housing needs. The demandsurge has created space for multi-unit homes like townhousesand apartments, which can accommodate many homebuyerswithout compromising on private space.

Apart fromincreased residential housing needs, the previous year alsoenhanced the requirement for sufficient equipment and estatefor the healthcare sector. Among non-residential buildings,hospitals and nursing homes saw the biggest spike in newdwelling consents.

GOOD READ: IMF-emerging economies must prepare for Fed policytightening

As per Stats NZ, New Zealanders spent anadditional NZ$543 million in the retail industries inNovember 2021 alone, compared to October. The momentumcontinued in late December and early January when shoppersflocked the markets for holiday celebrations.

Retailsales are generally the earliest to spike with increasingconsumer confidence in the economy. As soon as restrictionseased, consumers crowded the markets, cooling off somepent-up demand for goods and services. Additionally, theholiday season added to the consumer frenzy, providing theperfect setup for consumers to relieve their long-builtdemand.

The period between year-end and New year wasmarked with heavy core retail sales, which broke recordsseen in pre-Covid times. Thus, the markets are experiencingbooming demand, with shoppers quenching their longstandingneeds to buy consumer goods.

The NZ economy seemswell-positioned to take on any additional challenges ahead.A slowdown in economic activity could seep in because of thefast-spreading Omicron variant. However, buoyant demand islikely to keep the businesses afloat and prevent anyunprecedented havoc in the economy.

GOOD READ: WorldInequality Report2022

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Is New Zealand Economy On The Way Up? - Scoop

The cyclone is expected to hit later today. Photo / MetService

Cyclone Cody is expected to pass east of New Zealand later today, with the latest guidance that it won't make land but some effects will still be felt.

The potential impact of Cody has been significantly downgraded from several days ago when it was feared the storm could brush past or even hit the East Cape.

MetService said this morning the cyclone was currently over waters to the northeast, and was expected to pass far east of the East Cape on Monday as it heads southwards, before moving further south towards the Chatham Islands on Tuesday.

"The risk of heavy rain has diminished as the system tracks well east of New Zealand. However, the risk of severe gales about exposed parts of eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne remain," the forecaster said.

READ MORE Cyclone Cody: Tairwhiti/East Coast officials prepare for worst-case scenario Evacuations as surge from Tongan volcano hits Tutukaka, Northland Lines to Tonga still down after tsunami, community getting 'really desperate' 'Pray for us' - Surging tsunami hits island nation of Tonga after eruption

Hazardous conditions were still expected about the exposed eastern coastlines of the North Island, where large easterly swells, significant sea surges and rips and coastal inundation were possible.

Last night parts of Northland's east coast were hit by huge waves that caused significant damage at Tutukaka Marina. Civil Defence Northland said it believed the waves may have been created by the combined effect of Cyclone Cody and a huge volcanic eruption in Tonga last night.

It has warned people on the east coast to stay away from the water today as strong, frequent surges were continuing and surges could hit previously calm areas.

MetService this morning said there was still a strong wind watch in place for Bay of Plenty east of ptiki and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay, valid from 3am Monday to 12am Tuesday.

But a heavy rain watch for Gisborne and the Wairoa District has been lifted as heavy rain is no longer expected.

14 Jan, 2022 09:19 PMQuick Read

14 Jan, 2022 04:00 PMQuick Read

Gisborne Civil Defence emergency manager Ben Green said on Saturday they want to be prepared for any scenario.

"We're probably as well set up as we can be going into what's hopefully potentially just a glance of the system coming through."

Green said they had been doing courtesy calls to make sure people in remote areas of the region are aware gale-force winds, intense rain and high seas were likely.

He said they were treating it as a worst-case scenario, particularly with people holidaying in remote coastal areas.

River levels are being monitored and there's been additional cleaning of sewers and stormwater pipes, he said.

The transport agency, Waka Kotahi, said people should be prepared for large swells on low-lying coastal roads, as well as heavy rain and severe gales.

This kind of weather can cause slips, with debris and trees falling on the roads.

Waka Kotahi's national journey manager, Helen Harris, said high-sided vehicles need to be particularly cautious in those types of conditions.

She said drivers of high-sided vehicles should consider not travelling until the severe weather dies down, even if the roads are open.

Crews will be monitoring the situation closely and will close roads if the weather gets too dangerous.

Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) is also urging the beach-going public to take much greater care on northeastern beaches and prepare for closures as category 1 Tropical Cyclone Cody nears.

Northland's patrolled surf beaches are at Ocean Beach, Whangrei Heads, Waip Cove, Ruakk, and Mangawhai Heads on the east coast and Ahipara and Baylys Beach on the west coast.

SLSNR lifesaving operations manager James Lea is warning beachgoers and holiday-makers to remain vigilant as large waves and strong rip currents create dangerous swimming conditions.

"With forecasted strong winds and a lot of energy pushing into eastern beaches this weekend, it will be extremely important to maintain your safety and safety of others this weekend. Strong surf and large waves will create strong currents," Lea said.

"There will be a lot of water moving which would easily knock you off your feet. Keep a close eye on young children be able to reach them quickly, see them at all times and stay well away from the water.

"We also ask that storm-spectators and rock-fishers take extra care if spending any time on the rocks this weekend. Large swells can easily knock you off and into the dangerous water.

Originally posted here:

Cyclone Cody expected to pass east of New Zealand later today - New Zealand Herald

Gif: Neville Lambert / Storyful

I havent cheated death by avoiding an ill-fated transatlantic flight to Paris, but I get still nervous driving on highways behind most vehicles with loads secured to the roof. One loose strap or one poorly tied knot, and I could end up in my own personal straight-to-DVD sequel to Final Destination. Someone this week got a similar fright in New Zealand and caught it on dashcam.

A driver was following a Range Rover south on State Highway 1, 79 miles north of the countrys largest city Auckland. Then, suddenly two surfboards flew free from the Range Rovers roof rack. The dashcam driver immediately veered left to the shoulder to avoid one of the boards. To somewhat credit the Range Rover driver, they realized what happened and quickly pulled over.

While those boards might seem to be light and float through the air, I cant understate that what occurred was unsafe. At most speeds, the inertia of a surfboard putting all its kinetic energy through one of the boards ends could penetrate a cars windshield. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency spokesperson Andy Knackstedt told the New Zealand Herald:

Its very important that people take the time to ensure that anything they are carrying on the roof of their vehicle, or in a trailer or on a rack, is properly and safely secured. Any large or heavy object which comes loose from a vehicle traveling at speed on the road can become a dangerous missile or obstacle, putting other road users at risk.

Its also a legal requirement in New Zealand to make sure any load youre carrying is secure and that it cant fall or escape from your vehicle or trailer. Any person loading the vehicle also has the same responsibility not just the driver. You can be given a $600 infringement notice, or if youre prosecuted through the courts you can be fined up to $2000 and be disqualified for a period decided by the judge.

Please dont just chance it. Check your loads, so it doesnt come loose earlier than expected.

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Surfboards Come Loose In Front Of Another Car In New Zealand - Jalopnik

Stuff

Afghanistans former second vice president, Sarwar Danish

The National Party is demanding answers from Associate Immigration Minister Phil Twyford about the decision to grant residence to a former vice-president of Afghanistan, Sarwar Danish.

Stuff revealed recently that Danish and 13 family members had arrived in New Zealand from Turkey after the Government offered them what Twyford has described as safe haven.

The decision sparked anger and confusion among local Afghans, including a number who served with the New Zealand Defence Force.

An Afghan member of the New Zealand SAS unit based in Kabul from 2009-2012 told Stuff that Afghans who worked with the NZDF should have been prioritised for resettlement not people like Danish, who he said shared responsibility for the collapse of Afghanistans government.

READ MORE:* Afghans in hiding because of service to New Zealand deserve hope, says former soldier* As winter closes in on Afghanistan, a 12-year-old tries to save his family* Former Afghan vice president 'given safe haven' in New Zealand

Its very frustrating that someone from the corrupt leadership of Afghanistan with zero connection to New Zealand has been resettled in this country, when people who directly supported the New Zealand SAS have been left behind, he said.

Another Afghan local who served with the SAS said it was shameful and disgraceful that Danish and his family members had been granted residence when other Afghans who fought alongside our troops had been left behind.

Twyford said in a previous statement that alongside more than 1200 visas issued to Afghans associated with the New Zealand presence in Afghanistan, the Government has also provided safe haven to around 200 Afghans whose lives were at extreme risk from the Taliban, including Sarwar Danish.

Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Associate Immigration Minister Phil Twyford.

But Nationals foreign affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee says the Government needs to explain why [Danish] got priority when he was safely ensconced in Turkey and why so many of his family were able to be repatriated with him.

Most Afghans offered resettlement by New Zealand after the Taliban seized power in August were told they could bring only immediate family members with them, including dependent children. Danish was allowed to bring not only his wife and unmarried children but an adult son and two adult daughters with their spouses and children.

The decision to grant residence to Danish and his family appears to have been made by Twyford. As associate immigration minister, he has discretion to approve applications that fall outside Government residence instructions.

Stuff has previously asked Twyford whether it was reasonable that Danish, who was already in a safe country, was granted residence when former soldiers who fought with the NZDF had not been offered resettlement; however, he did not answer the question.

ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff

National foreign affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee.

Brownlee said Twyford needed to tell the public if pressure was brought to bear on the Government to grant residence to Danish. If it was just diplomatic pressure from other countries then that would mean that theyve simply caved to someone elses view.

Or was there another particularly compelling reason [why Twyford] made this decision ahead of some of those people who would appear to have a much better claim?

Brownlee said there were many Afghans remaining in Afghanistan under threat of loss of life who were directly helpful to either the New Zealand SAS or the de-mining operation that New Zealand undertook in Bamiyan province.

What was the compelling reason for bringing [Danish]? he said. Is this the first of many failed former Afghan government players who will be heading to New Zealand?

Multiple attempts by Stuff to get comment from Danish were unsuccessful.

More here:

Did Government 'simply cave'? National demands answers over residency decision for former vice-president of Afghanistan Sarwar Danish - Stuff.co.nz

A rare historic steam locomotive is being restored to its former glory and is back in Southland after more than a century away.

The 1880 D Class locomotive D6 arriving at Bulleid Engineering in Winton. Photo: Supplied/ Southland District Council

The D Class locomotive D6 was built in 1880 in Glasgow and spent much of its time running on Southland's tracks with New Zealand Railways.

But in 1917, the D6 was sold into private service, first to the Taratu Coal and Railway Company in the Clutha District and then to McDonalds Lime in 1940 where it was in action at its amaru plant.

It moved a bit closer to home in 1965 after being acquired by Ocean Beach Railway, a working heritage railway museum operating in Dunedin.

The Lumsden Heritage Trust has now brought it back to enhance its heritage rail display in the northern Southland town.

Lumsden Heritage Trust chair John Titter (left) and trustee Rob Scott with the 1880 D Class locomotive D6 at Winton. Photo: Supplied/ Southland District Council

Trust chairman John Titter said the locomotive was significant because there were very few left in New Zealand.

"According to the New Zealand Rolling Stock Register there are only seven other Class D locomotives left in New Zealand, of which only two have been restored to running order."

The trust had taken responsibility for the locomotive and applied for funding to restore it, he said.

The 1880 D Class locomotive arrives in Invercargill on Friday. Photo: Supplied/ Southland District Council

In the weekend it arrived at Bulleid Engineering in Winton, where it is set to be restored before being taken to Lumsden.

The engineering company sits next to the former Winton railway track, which the locomotive used to operate on during its time with New Zealand Railways.

The 1880 D Class locomotive D6 is lowered into position at Bulleid Engineering in Winton on Saturday. Photo: Supplied/ Southland District Council

It has been an eventful two years for the Trust, which oversaw the recovery of two V Class locomotives and their coal tenders from the mud at Mararoa Junction near Lumsden just before the pandemic struck in early 2020.

Later that year, an A Class passenger car A199 was recovered from a farm at Wairio. It has since been refurbished and now sits in the Lumsden Railway Precinct to serve as an information kiosk for the trust's static display.

Continue reading here:

Rare steam locomotive arrives back in Southland for restoration - RNZ

White Island volcano survivor Stephanie Browitt shared photos revealing dramatic improvements to her back after undergoing a series of skin grafts. Video / 60 minutes / Stephanie Browitt

A woman who survived the 2019 Whakaari White Island volcano eruption and lost her dad and younger sister to the tragedy has revealed one common question she's still asked, two years on.

Melbourne's Stephanie Browitt, her 21-year-old sister Krystal, and their father Paul had been on the Ovation of the Seas ship when passengers visited the island on December 9.

They were among 47 people there, touring the island, when the volcano erupted killing 22 people, including 14 Australians, and badly injuring the other 25.

Browitt, who spent six months in hospital after suffering burns to 70 per cent of her body, has been open about her journey to recovery on social media.

And in a new TikTok posted last week, she reflected one of the things people ask her the most why she, her family and the other victims "couldn't jump in the water if it's an island" when the volcano erupted.

"Well as you can see, that's us, circled, on the island that day, at 2.10pm. And the walls are extremely high up, and we are only surrounded by rock. We're nowhere near the jetty, and nowhere near the ocean. We are as inland as you can get and under 140m from the crater," she explained, alongside an image of where the family had been standing before the eruption.

"So my family and I were at the back of that line, and it was only about a two minute walk, we had only just started walking back to the jetty. This is the same camera only 40 seconds to a minute apart, and as you can see the island was already engulfed in ash and dust.

"So we were never, ever, ever going to make it to water. There was literally no chance for the group of 21 people I was with."

Browitt marked the second anniversary of the disaster late last year, writing it had "ripped" her family apart.

"Today's not only the day I survived the unimaginable, it's the day I lost my dad, Paul and sister, Krystal. It's the day that they were taken from us," she wrote in a lengthy Instagram post.

"My accomplishments mean nothing to me knowing they aren't shared with my sister and dad by my side. Every day I question why we couldn't have gone through this extremely hard journey together, why they couldn't be here also.

"So when I think about today, it's filled with very mixed emotions. I'm extremely grateful that I was able to make it back home to my mum, but I'm also heartbroken that only I made it back. We are a family of four, not two. My heart hurts when I remember what I felt that day, but it hurts more not knowing what my dad and sister felt, that I wasn't next to them during their last moments."

WorkSafe charged 13 parties including tour operators and the island's owners with failings in November 2020. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

See the article here:

Insulting question White Island survivor Stephanie Browitt is asked - New Zealand Herald