Central Hawke’s Bay’s first White Ribbon Ambassadors have been appointed.
Mayor Alex Walker has appointed former Deputy Mayor Ian Sharp, and Jackie Aitchison as Ambassadors.
White Ribbon Ambassadors are community members who play a vital role in building support, visibility and developing a shared understanding of the White Ribbon campaign and its overarching anti-violence messaging.
Alex Walker said Jackie and Ian are part of the Safer CHB Violence Free network, which raises awareness of family violence, and its effect on our local communities.
She said sadly, our community is not immune to family harm – and hopes by increasing visibility, support and having two passionate people in this vital role, steps can be taken toward delivering practical help to those who need it most.
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Last week Senior Constable Andy Walker said local Police had attended 15 family harm calls over the previous two weeks.
Mr Walker said prior to this, family harm calls in CHB were a lot lower.
He said with money tight, people drinking, and Christmas approaching, the pressure is on, and people should “just walk away when things are going bad”.
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The Tararua District Council has located a mystery water leak in Dannevirke.
The Council has been monitoring and working on a water leak near the rail crossing in Stanley Street and Stairs Road over recent months.
Acoustic testing was unsuccessful in locating the leak due to traffic noise, with ground penetrating radar surveys and excavation work then used.
The leak was discovered in pipes along the KiwiRail corridor, and specialist contractors have been engaged to undertake relining work, which is expected to be completed within the first half of next month.
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There are 55 active cases of COVID-19 in Tararua District.
Latest numbers released yesterday showed a total of 962 active cases in the MidCentral Region, a 3.3% decrease from the seven days prior.
17 people are in Palmerston North Hospital with COVID-19, and there were two COVID related deaths in the region in the past week.