The small rural Northland New Zealand town of Dargaville now sleeps easier since the quick arrest of two people who were involved in an early-morning robbery of tourists there.
http://policenews.nz/totara-st-dargaville/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
Well done to the Dargaville Police for these arrests, following the incident at 1am, on April 24.
Our hearts, at BTO, go out to the tourists who have come here for some rest and recreation, only to have this happen. We only hope you are feeling better, especially now arrests have been made.
These occurrences are too often, not only in New Zealand but around the world, leaving people feeling uneasy.
Police would still like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or any information they can give in relation to this robbery.
Contact Dargaville Police CIB on (09) 439-3400, Detective Sergeant Jonathan Tier.
Information may be left anonymously, also by contacting CRIMESTOPPERS free phone 0800 555 111.
Monday, 25 April 2016
Monday, 18 April 2016
No more 'she'll be right' attitudes with health and safety
The 'she'll be right' attitude has to go out the window with tighter regulations around health and safety in New Zealand.
New laws governing H and S took effect on April 4 and if you are owning or managing industrial or even private sites where people could get hurt, you are responsible for everyone's safety.
The tighter regulations are in light of the Pike River Mine tragedy where 29 miners died.
Presenters of the new regulations and laws say, although our H and S laws are robust, there is still a lot of room for improvement.
They say there are still too many people either, not coming home at all because they have died, or they are coming home mamed for life.
http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/hswa
David Grindle of Northland, New Zealand law firm, WRMK, presented the new regulations and how they affect business people at a recent business breakfast meeting, hosted by the Dargaville Business Forum.
The presentation included highlighting the fact that anyone is responsible for any site where people are working and where there may be hazards.
The three high risk industries are; forestry, construction and agriculture. Death rates have fallen but are still shockingly high in these industries.
In New Zealand, there are 4.1 deaths per 100,000 workers annually.
So consequently, safety responsibility now falls on a Person Conducting Business or Undertaking Business (PCBU), on any site.
For example, if a home owner engages the services of a plumber at the home, the plumber would become the PCBU and is responsible for the safety hazards at that address.
The legal and financial consequences of not adhering to these new laws are high.
Failing to comply can result in PCBUs being hit with fines of $600,000. An individual who may not be a PCBU but may be in a leading role, could be looking at $300,000.
The responsibilities include; identifying risks or hazards, conduct training with staff, make staff totally aware of risks and hazards and ensure a hazard plan is in place, keeping records of incidents is most important.
New laws governing H and S took effect on April 4 and if you are owning or managing industrial or even private sites where people could get hurt, you are responsible for everyone's safety.
The tighter regulations are in light of the Pike River Mine tragedy where 29 miners died.
Presenters of the new regulations and laws say, although our H and S laws are robust, there is still a lot of room for improvement.
They say there are still too many people either, not coming home at all because they have died, or they are coming home mamed for life.
http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/hswa
David Grindle of Northland, New Zealand law firm, WRMK, presented the new regulations and how they affect business people at a recent business breakfast meeting, hosted by the Dargaville Business Forum.
The presentation included highlighting the fact that anyone is responsible for any site where people are working and where there may be hazards.
The three high risk industries are; forestry, construction and agriculture. Death rates have fallen but are still shockingly high in these industries.
In New Zealand, there are 4.1 deaths per 100,000 workers annually.
So consequently, safety responsibility now falls on a Person Conducting Business or Undertaking Business (PCBU), on any site.
For example, if a home owner engages the services of a plumber at the home, the plumber would become the PCBU and is responsible for the safety hazards at that address.
The legal and financial consequences of not adhering to these new laws are high.
Failing to comply can result in PCBUs being hit with fines of $600,000. An individual who may not be a PCBU but may be in a leading role, could be looking at $300,000.
The responsibilities include; identifying risks or hazards, conduct training with staff, make staff totally aware of risks and hazards and ensure a hazard plan is in place, keeping records of incidents is most important.
Necessary skill: The frequent use of the chainsaw in the forestry industry, is necessary and takes a high level of skill. Photo - www.alamy
Fluoridate or not to fluoridate that is the question
Fluoridation of water is a hot topic right now and has even been considered by some as a health hazard in itself.
See this link to a story on scoop.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1604/S00236/dhb-data-show-no-benefit-from-water-fluoridation.htm
For myself, I don't know that I like the idea of another chemical being put into drinking water involuntarily. Especially when the jury is out, as to whether it has only good effects, in this case, on oral health?
It's a big question mark for me, as I'm guessing it is for many.
However, it appears it may be coming, ready or not in New Zealand water supplies.
The government announced last week that it may give DHBs the power to force fluoridation on councils.
In light of the facts found in the Scoop story, it would appear, more homework clearly needs to be done.
Let's look at what some other expert health opinions say:
See this study done below, in 2007 and published by world research publishers Taylor & Francis, which brings up another view with some pretty concerning statistics.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10643380600678112
To me, democracy is having people's views on board with these kinds of decisions.
On researching for this post, studies way back in the early 1970s found fluoridating did reduce dental cavities but things change, the way people live changes and many variables taken into consideration then, would be very different now.
What do you think about the fluoridation issue?
Do you think it's a good thing, bad thing, or what?
Let us know in the comments!
BTO
Water quality: What kind of water do we want to be washing our food in. Fluoridation is a big issue world-wide. Photo www.alamy.com
See this link to a story on scoop.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1604/S00236/dhb-data-show-no-benefit-from-water-fluoridation.htm
For myself, I don't know that I like the idea of another chemical being put into drinking water involuntarily. Especially when the jury is out, as to whether it has only good effects, in this case, on oral health?
It's a big question mark for me, as I'm guessing it is for many.
However, it appears it may be coming, ready or not in New Zealand water supplies.
The government announced last week that it may give DHBs the power to force fluoridation on councils.
In light of the facts found in the Scoop story, it would appear, more homework clearly needs to be done.
Let's look at what some other expert health opinions say:
See this study done below, in 2007 and published by world research publishers Taylor & Francis, which brings up another view with some pretty concerning statistics.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10643380600678112
To me, democracy is having people's views on board with these kinds of decisions.
On researching for this post, studies way back in the early 1970s found fluoridating did reduce dental cavities but things change, the way people live changes and many variables taken into consideration then, would be very different now.
What do you think about the fluoridation issue?
Do you think it's a good thing, bad thing, or what?
Let us know in the comments!
BTO
Friday, 15 April 2016
TPPA protest planned
Protest organiser: Democrats for Social Credit deputy leader Chris Leitch strongly opposes the ratification of the TPPA in New Zealand and is seeking support with a public protest rally. Photo supplied.
Democrats for Social Credit deputy leader Chris
Leitch is organising a protest rally against the possible ratification of the TPPA this week and is asking for moral support for his cause.
The rally will be held at a Whangarei TPPA promotion hui (gathering), run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, at the Distinction Hotel, Riverside Drive, on Wednesday morning.
Mr Leitch says the 8.30am protest is intended to
be a peaceful gathering to highlight to participants, "there are significant
negatives to New Zealand, proceeding with the TPPA".
All participants are expected to be handed material detailing those negatives in preparation for asking questions of ministry officials.
They will also be provided with an alternative proposal showing how the economy could be boosted by double that predicted for the TPPA, without any loss of sovereignty, he says.
Mr Leitch says he and his party believe the TPPA has many inherent costs and risks, such as; "the threat to climate action and our environment; the impact it will have on our public health and medicines and the cost to consumers for copyright extensions".
He says other costs and risks include, the threat to GMO labelling and country of origin labelling; the impact of harmonised risk assessment processes for GMOs and the potential for enormous costs under an ISDS claim.
In a media statement Environment and Trade ministers Dr Nick Smith and Todd McClay say the chapter of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement offers real benefits for both New Zealand’s environment and trade.
"TPP is not just good for the New Zealand economy but good for the environment. It goes much further than any other New Zealand trade agreement on issues like protecting endangered species and preventing pollution and also provides a valuable avenue for New Zealand to advance its environmental and conservation interests by working with, and pooling resources with other TPP countries," Dr Smith says.
For the first time in a free trade agreement, there is a platform for environmental cooperation with some of the world’s most advanced economies alongside developing countries.
Side bar:
National and Labour members of the Foreign Affairs & Trade select committee were served with a memorandum of injustice at recent TPPA hearings.
The memorandum, distributed by the Democrats for Social Credit party, sets out the grounds for a class action against committee members in the event they recommend ratification of the TPPA and the Democrats for Social Credit view that its subsequent implementation causes significant detriment to New Zealand or its citizens.
Before distributing the memorandums and at the conclusion of his
submission against the TPPA, D for SC deputy leader Chris Leitch
said, "if, as a result of you proceeding with the TPPA and the grave
concerns being covered in this submission and many others, lose control
of our financial system, our health, environment and most important, control
over the quality and safety of our food supply, how will you or your
descendants defend legal cases brought against you in the future, in a yet to
be constituted forum, for the detriment inflicted upon
New Zealand and both its current and future citizens".
Editor's note:
This is a significant step for New Zealand, if it becomes a reality.
Do you have an opinion about the TPPA and its effects on New Zealand?
Is ratification of the TPPA a good or bad thing for New Zealand?
Comments from anywhere in the world are welcome. We would be interested to know what you think!
Monday, 11 April 2016
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
A fight back to wellness
Survivor: Christine Leydon, right, is determined to continue her journey back to health from a severe mystery illness. Pictured with her mother Shona Burkhardt. Photo supplied by family.
When you hear Christine Leydon's survival story you can see she is a fighter.
Christine, who hails from Whangarei, New Zealand, was only released from hospital a few weeks ago, after having lost most of the use of her body from an illness that still remains, for the most part, a mystery.
"Just a few days before Christmas, I woke up with a severe pain in my side, which I put down to pancreatitis, because I've been diagnosed with a chronic form of that before," she says.
But it wasn't pancreatitis and what incapacitated her is still unknown.
Christine remembers nothing of her one and a half month ordeal, from that moment on.
So, husband Gary picks up the story.
He wasted no time in getting her to the Whangarei Hospital's A and E department.
He says his wife was incoherent, hallucinating - feeling she was being kept hostage, with her speech deteriorating fast.
"Christine was admitted and put through numerous tests; including ECGs, blood, heart, to name a few," Gary says.
The couple were told there was a possibility Christine may have legionella pneumonia and there would be a considerable wait for results from tests to either confirm or rule out the condition.
She was shot to Auckland Hospital where she was given five plasma transfusions to try to get rid of any lurking bugs.
There, she was put through more tests and a type of anaemia was diagnosed which was thought to be related to the legionella condition but still not certain.
Christine was also tested for kidney and more blood problems, mild diabetes and it was noted that she had global limb weakness.
"My whole body was affected, including my hand/eye co-ordination. It seems to be coming back slowly, but I'm very shaky and my balance is all up the wop," she says.
She was close to death a couple of times but despite all this, there still seems to be no clear overall diagnosis as yet.
Health professionals haven't given her much hope of further mobility improvement and they can't rule out the possibility of the mystery illness coming back.
After a month and a half between Whangarei and Auckland hospitals, including some time in rehabilitation, Christine returned home on February 9.
She celebrated a belated family Christmas only a couple of weeks ago, having been hospitalised during the recent festive season.
But it's hard to keep a good woman down!
Christine says she is determined not to let this illness get her down and the born-again Christian says a lot of prayer and plain determination has got her back home, with some mobility and her speech.
"My philosophy is, there is always someone worse off, so what have I got to complain about?" she says.
Christine is determined to prove medical opinions wrong.
Having been an enthusiastic Rock 'n Roll dancer and dance teacher keeps her determined to get back into that and she's even put a date on it for the future.
"I love my Rock 'n Roll so much because it brings me back to my normality," she says.
She continues with both physical and neurological rehabilitation and realises the importance of doing set exercises.
"I am probably overdoing the exercises if anything, to try to improve my situation, quicker."
She says at least she's out of hospital and has days when she's feeling good and others when she's not but is generally getting on top of things.
Christine says she has to stay positive no matter what medical advice she gets about her condition.
"The medical people's job is to treat the symptoms and try to find the cause/s but no one knows how I feel inwardly but it's the power of positive thinking that keeps me going."
She champions Gary for being right at her side, taking time out from his work. His employers have been very supportive to the couple.
"I couldn't have got through all this without his support," Christine says.
She is also grateful to her brother Terry Burkhardt who has been able to clarify aspects of her journey by helping to find out more about the medical stuff.
Her mother Shona Burkhardt also returned home early from a holiday overseas, when Christine fell ill, to support the couple and tend Christine's succulent plants she grows as a hobby.
She says she is prepared for the possibility of perhaps not returning to her former self.
"I can't dwell on what might happen.
"Some years ago, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which put paid to my netball and tennis interests and I worked my life around that, so I guess I will be able to do the same again," she says.
"I am thinking ahead, you've got to plan."
Christine and Gary are both in their second marriage. Christine has three children and Gary, two.
They have 13 grandchildren between them.
Beating the Odds wishes Christine all the best for a complete recovery.
Have you had to fight back from a difficult illness or experience? We would love to tell your story or hear from you!
BTO
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
REVIEW - Indepth look at Biblical scripture
American author and preacher Danny Armour presents an indepth view of the Bible in his book, That I May Know Him.
Danny, who describes himself as, "an author, avid student of God's word" and preacher, says the catalyst to writing his, "Biblical exegesis of triumph and freedom", was a desperate effort to "overcome sin."
His clear explanations of the various passages of scripture in the Biblical books and the inclusion of actual passage numbers and the pronunciations of biblical words of that time, I found enlightening.
In the introduction section of the book, Armour talks about a journey which led to him finding healing for himself and his family, in his faith.
He opens up about his childhood and two major traumatic events of victimisation, which affected his life.
He says when the innocence of life began to fade because of these events; five years of sexual abuse and then later in his teens, narrowly cheating death from a street stabbing, he believes his view changed from victim, to protector.
"If I saw someone getting beat up, I stepped in to stop it. It was not something I thought about, it was just the way it was," Danny says.
Instead of returning to school, Danny started work as a carpenter and met a pastor, Bobby, who he says "led him to the Lord".
"I vividly remember it today. After receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, I felt clean for the first time in my life," he says.
Armour describes this time as the, "single most amazing thing I had ever experienced".
Life seemed to be getting even better for him and he eventually married.
However things still weren't right and all his locked away feelings about his past traumas began to rage out of control.
Danny says his mind was filled with chaos and pain.
"I could not shut it down. One night, sleep never came. The first couple of days I ploughed through it with all my strength but after a week I would just sit through the night and weep until the sun came up."
He admits after ten days in this state, he contemplated suicide.
But he owes his survival of that scary contemplation, to his faith.
"The condemnation became too much. I thought I was holding on to God but he was the one holding me. In time, the Lord met me where I was, to keep me from taking my own life," Danny says.
He believes his creator brought him to discover the answer to his question: "Why did I do the things I hated?"
Wanting to find the answer, he set on a "desperate" nine-year journey, which he says brought, "healing in my family beyond what we ever thought possible".
What I found a little concerning, is that after all he had gone through, Armour referred to his pre-faith self, as an "undeserving man" in the introduction.
In my opinion, the traumatic happenings were not his fault and some may say these difficult events may have been the reason he contemplated taking his life?
He goes on to explain what he means, in his book.
The book, That I May Know Him, explains the role Christianity plays in the war between human nature and human values held with God.
Armour says Christianity is not based on performance through the physical body in order to fulfil any type of (man made law), rather it is based on a relationship with God through faith.
"It is a unique Biblical expose unveiling what it means to know Christ and the principles established through the cross, for walking with God in ongoing triumph and freedom," he says.
That I May Know Him is available now at any online book outlets, such as Amazon.
Let us know if you have read the book and if faith has played the main role in healing through life's challenges, for you?
Enjoy!
Beating the Odds - BTO
Danny, who describes himself as, "an author, avid student of God's word" and preacher, says the catalyst to writing his, "Biblical exegesis of triumph and freedom", was a desperate effort to "overcome sin."
Overcomer: Danny Armour found his way from victim to victor through his faith.
His clear explanations of the various passages of scripture in the Biblical books and the inclusion of actual passage numbers and the pronunciations of biblical words of that time, I found enlightening.
In the introduction section of the book, Armour talks about a journey which led to him finding healing for himself and his family, in his faith.
He opens up about his childhood and two major traumatic events of victimisation, which affected his life.
He says when the innocence of life began to fade because of these events; five years of sexual abuse and then later in his teens, narrowly cheating death from a street stabbing, he believes his view changed from victim, to protector.
"If I saw someone getting beat up, I stepped in to stop it. It was not something I thought about, it was just the way it was," Danny says.
Instead of returning to school, Danny started work as a carpenter and met a pastor, Bobby, who he says "led him to the Lord".
"I vividly remember it today. After receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, I felt clean for the first time in my life," he says.
Armour describes this time as the, "single most amazing thing I had ever experienced".
Life seemed to be getting even better for him and he eventually married.
However things still weren't right and all his locked away feelings about his past traumas began to rage out of control.
Danny says his mind was filled with chaos and pain.
"I could not shut it down. One night, sleep never came. The first couple of days I ploughed through it with all my strength but after a week I would just sit through the night and weep until the sun came up."
He admits after ten days in this state, he contemplated suicide.
But he owes his survival of that scary contemplation, to his faith.
"The condemnation became too much. I thought I was holding on to God but he was the one holding me. In time, the Lord met me where I was, to keep me from taking my own life," Danny says.
He believes his creator brought him to discover the answer to his question: "Why did I do the things I hated?"
Wanting to find the answer, he set on a "desperate" nine-year journey, which he says brought, "healing in my family beyond what we ever thought possible".
What I found a little concerning, is that after all he had gone through, Armour referred to his pre-faith self, as an "undeserving man" in the introduction.
In my opinion, the traumatic happenings were not his fault and some may say these difficult events may have been the reason he contemplated taking his life?
He goes on to explain what he means, in his book.
The book, That I May Know Him, explains the role Christianity plays in the war between human nature and human values held with God.
Armour says Christianity is not based on performance through the physical body in order to fulfil any type of (man made law), rather it is based on a relationship with God through faith.
"It is a unique Biblical expose unveiling what it means to know Christ and the principles established through the cross, for walking with God in ongoing triumph and freedom," he says.
That I May Know Him is available now at any online book outlets, such as Amazon.
Let us know if you have read the book and if faith has played the main role in healing through life's challenges, for you?
Enjoy!
Beating the Odds - BTO
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