Wednesday 31 October 2012

A Guy Fawkes to remember

Christchurch residents looking for a night to remember are invited to watch as the Treetech Guy Fawkes Fireworks Spectacular returns to New Brighton Pier at 9pm on Monday 5 November.

Following an initial light show at 9pm, a choreographed fireworks display by Christchurch company Firework Professionals will light up the skies over New Brighton, choreographed to a soundtrack that will be simulcast on The Breeze 94.5FM. For the first time this year, the soundtrack will also be played over a sound system in a special Listening Zone north of the pier.

Mayor Bob Parker says the event continues a proud Christchurch tradition.

“This is a key event on the Christchurch events calendar, and like all our previous Guy Fawkes festivities, this will be a chance to create some great memories. We encourage people to bring their families and friends, but to please leave their own fireworks at home and be mindful of New Brighton’s alcohol ban.

“In past years, people have ventured up into the Port Hills to ensure a prime viewing spot, but with a number of Port Hills roads closed due to earthquake damage and rockfall risk, we’re advising people to find a vantage point at ground-level.”

To ensure safety of pedestrians in the New Brighton area, the following roads will be partially or completely closed from 6pm:

Seaview Road/Brighton Mall
Beresford Street
Owles Terrace
Marine Parade
Oram Avenue
Hood Street
Ida Street
Union Street

People are advised to drive in early and park on nearby streets outside the road closures, or to take the bus. Additional buses on existing routes will be running to and from the event – phone 366 8855 or visit www.metroinfo.co.nz for more information.

There will be car parks available at Thomson Park and Withells Island Reserve. Entry is via a gold coin donation per vehicle. Access for disabled parking in the South Ramp car park is via Bridge Street. Works on Keyes Road are expected to be finished by Monday 5 November.

To view a map detailing road closures, and for recommended access roads, visit www.ccc.govt.nz/communityevents.

The annual event is run by the Christchurch City Council, with the support of Treetech and The Breeze. The postponement date is Tuesday 6 November.

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>