Otautau & Districts

The Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:39:00 +0000

We've had some very windy days. One nice thing about the wind is that it turns the white poplar leaves silverside up.

Hosing Restrictions

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:10:00 +0000

We've had loads of sunshine for weeks. Swarms of ladybirds have sought refuge from the heat by clinging to the shady sides of houses. This warm weather has been great for all kinds of summer activities, but it's taking its toll on paddocks far and wide. Food for stock animals is in short supply. No rain - no grass.

So the SDC announced the following hosing restrictions yesterday for many places including Otautau:

The use of unattended sprinklers or irrigation systems is strictly prohibited.

Only hand-held hosing is permitted.

Odd-numbered properties may irrigate on odd-numbered days of the month and even-numbered properties on even-numbered days. For example, residents at 3 James Street may irrigate on 25 January, but not on 26 January.

Hand-held hosing may only be carried out between 6pm and 9am. All hosing between 9am and 6pm is strictly prohibited.

Food Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

The controversial proposed Food Bill 160-2 has aroused concern amongst many NZers. People are concerned it will make it difficult or illegal for homegrowers and small food producers to trade because of tighter controls. Click on the link above to read the bill and if you would like to oppose the bill, you can click on this link to sign a petition against the bill.

Midnight Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000

I was out at midnight. The stars were shining, the air was warm, and yes, I did see Santa. But I had lighting on my mind, and this is what I found.

Main Street

King Street

The rest of the houses are on Queen Street. Folks there seem to have gotten the lighting bug. Some photos are the same house from different angles.

Fabulous, no?

Merry Christmas, Otautau : )

Christmas Street Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:03:00 +0000

The annual Christmas Street Fair was great fun. All the Christmas festivities, mixed in with catching up with folks you'd been meaning to talk to, plus fundraising for local groups, ticked a lot of boxes in just one summer evening.

The Otautau School choir took the stage early and serenaded us with Christmas carols including the very challenging Twelve Days of Christmas (Kiwi style). After their set, a stream of young karaoke hopefuls bravely sang their way into teenage infamy with hoots and hollers from their peers.

After hours of face-painting, treat-eating and bouncy-castling, the long-awaited Santa Claus Lolly Scramble took place down Main Street.

One of the cutest goodies you could buy for your sweet tooth was this marshmallow snowman. So cute!

Looking forward to next year's fair already.

If you have pics for the blog, please send them.

Celebrate Community, Celebrate Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Just a reminder that tonight is the Otautau Christmas Street Fair, a time celebrate community and celebrate Christmas. Main Street will be blocked off to make room for all the fun activities and sales tables. There'll be raffles-a-plenty and lots of treats to buy. You can support Otautau's local clubs and organisations by making donations or buying goods. Or, just come and catch up with friends. The fair starts at 5pm and ends at 8pm. See you there!

Lupin Spraying

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:39:00 +0000

With all the noise this morning, I thought maybe there was a fire somewhere. But it was actually due to a helicopter from HeliSouth spraying what looks like lupins on the Aparima River. This photo is taken south of Otautau.

Little Red Rocking Hood

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:39:00 +0000

The house was rockin' at the Oreti Hall last night as the entire Drummond School took the stage and danced their hearts out to a standing room only crowd.

The musical extravaganza was a variation on the Little Red Riding Hood theme with music from the 1950s.

The numbers included classic '50s dancing but also some featured some talented breakdancers who blew us away with their flashy, flexible moves.

The 'villain' of the story was the ultra cool, tall, dark and handsome 'Wolf,' played by Brodie McGlen. Not pictured: his blue suede shoes.

Wolf, dressed as Granny, and Red, played by Jack Preston, do a number of their own.

This was non-stop entertainment from start to finish and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Well done Drummond School students and staff. What a talented bunch!

Is Your Vote Green?

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:06:00 +0000

Well the race for the spare seat on the Wallace Community Board is over, but for plant lovers, the voting continues. The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN) announced its contest for New Zealand's Favourite Plant. You can vote for your favourite native plant via their website. Voting ends midday, 17 December. To read the media release, check out the link above.

Cubs History Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:29:00 +0000

The St Andrew Cub Scouts went on a history walk through the town on 2 November accompanied by the Kea pack. They took in the sights and sounds of Main Street on a quiet evening, stopping first at the Union Church where Rev. Judith Day gave them a talk on the history of the church in Otautau.

The pack then headed for the Otautau Museum where retired farmer, Peter Campbell, spoke about the history of Otautau, the Courthouse, and also the museum's current display on old hand tools. The young folks asked good questions and showed keen interest.

Of course, once inside the actual courtroom, standing in the witness box or being behind the judge's bench, are even more fun. Who knows, there may be a budding activist, lawyer or judge amongst the cubs? Although one of the questions that was asked was 'Has there ever been an execution in Otautau?' Let's hope they don't want to set precedence.

Measles Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:11:00 +0000

Two cases of measles have surfaced in Dunedin. They were caused by a person with the condition travelling from Wellington to Dunedin who then went on to Auckland and back to Wellington.

According to the Southern DHB global email released 31 October, the symptoms of measles are: "...fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose and inflamed red eyes. Between the third and seventh day, a red, blotchy rash appears and in 24 to 48 hours, spreads over the whole body. The rash may last up to seven days. The incubation period is from 8 to 12 days but may range up to 18 days.
"People with such symptoms should stay away from class or work, public places and social gatherings. They should not go directly to a doctor's surgery or to an emergency department because of the risk of infecting other people. [...] Instead, they should call Healthline or their GP who will give them advice."
Healthline has 24-hour free healthcare advice. Call 0800-611-116. The Otautau Medical Centre's number is (03) 225-8099.

More information is on the Southern DHB website - Latest Measles Outbreak News.

Tour of Southland

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:10:00 +0000

We had windy but dry conditions today in Otautau for the Tour of Southland. Riders were heading north to Lumsden which is a change from their usual course.

These are the leaders of the breakaway pack.

The peloton was several minutes behind.

Staying hydrated is all-important.

Open Sesame

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:13:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, our Supervalue got an automatic door. While I thought that this was Otautau's first automatic door, it turns out that PGG Wrightson has one too. We're a two-automatic door town.

This is just one of many changes the Supervalue is undergoing with its new management. The door has made entering and exiting easier for those who have their arms full with shopping bags, are pushing a trolley or using a cane. This is a very welcome change.

The store owner's vision is to have an 'in' door and an 'out' door. The 'in' door will actually be where the current noticeboard is. Many have expressed that the space was not adequate enough for all of the many notices groups and individuals put up. So maybe this will be the catalyst for someone to create a new, bigger and better noticeboard somewhere on Main Street.

'We're Off to See the Wizard'

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:53:00 +0000

Remember in the Wizard of Oz when Toto pulls away the curtain to reveal the salesman who was pretending he was the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz? This TED video on Bubble Filters takes a look at the man behind the curtain on sites like Facebook and Google that is really a set of algorithms. These sites are using tools to narrow down your web experience so that it's more about you. They do this by collecting data about your online behaviour and manipulating your experience on the web to 'suit you'. The video shows there is a lot hidden filtering going on that is the antithesis of the great democratic experiment that we thought the web exemplified. So is the wizard a wizard who can serve or is he bluffing us all?

Mobile Phone Fraud

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:20:00 +0000

Received this message from the police: If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that he or she is a company engineer, or telling you that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number, end this call immediately without pressing any numbers. There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your 'SIM' card and make calls at your expense. Forward this message to as many colleagues, relatives and friends as you can, to stop it.

Spring Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 23:02:00 +0000

Two days ago the bees were soaking up the nectar from the blossoms on Main Street.

Today, it snowed.

Kapa haka performance

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:21:00 +0000

Tomorrow night, the young people from Te Wharekura o Arowhenua will be performing a free concert at Riverton. This is a great chance for local students to experience kapa haka and waiata by people their own age. I heard a few of their songs today and was more than impressed. This would be a good family night out - great entertainment for all. They will be at the Aparima College School Hall, Thursday, 22 September at 6pm.

Market Day Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:24:00 +0000

I was part of the set-up crew for the book sale a few weeks ago. We had loads of boxes to unpack and put onto tables. In one box, I found these three photographs of Market Day on Main Street. Not sure of the date, but the old post office is still standing, and Wesney's Jewellers is still in business. If the owner would like them back, please contact me, otherwise I will donate them to the museum.

A Call for Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:09:00 +0000

The Otautau Museum would like to thank everyone who viewed the Isla Bank display which was on from May to August. Their next display will be about farming tools that were used in days gone by - the more unusual, the better. If you have any tools that you would like to loan for this display or want to help in any way, please contact Peter Campbell (03) 225-8209.

Book Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:43:00 +0000

See the Otautau Museum blog for my write-up about the book sale held this last weekend.

First Aid

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:26:00 +0000

It had been 15+ years since I'd taken a First Aid course, but I recently enrolled and found my knowledge woefully out of date.

Last week, I took the Comprehensive First Aid course offered by the Red Cross in Invercargill. It was 12 hours of nonstop instruction, scenarios, practice and testing - plus a few laughs thrown in for good measure. The course took place over 1 1/2 days and was held in their Gala Street location.

Jayne McAllister, Red Cross Training Coordinator for Invercargill, ably led the course. Rarely do I find an instructor who has all the answers. But for every question she fielded from us, she provided the latest information and research along with personal stories and experience. In short, she knew her stuff. Her passion and skill for teaching others to act intelligently in emergency situations was obvious, and I felt fortunate that she was our instructor. She was also training a new instructor, Andrea, in the process.

So how has First Aid changed in 15 years? Well, for one thing the Heimlich maneuver is out. In the event of someone choking, this was a method of abdominal thrusts to help expel the object. However, such thrusts can lead to abdominal injuries, fractured ribs and damage to the xiphoid process (which can break off and puncture your diaphragm). Instead, we were taught to do chest thrusts. These are safer and easier to do especially if you are helping someone who is very big around the middle.

CPR used to entail different combinations of compressions and breaths for adults, children and infants. These combinations were really hard to remember (I had completely forgotten them after 15 years), so it's been streamlined - 30 compressions and 2 breaths for all ages.

This course also covered the use of a community defibrillator or AED. I'm sure these never existed 15 years ago for ordinary folks like you and me.

But how does it work? Apparently, these machines, which are about the size of a purse or handbag, are designed for public use in the case of a person whose heart has gone into fibrillation. This means the heart has appeared to stop but is actually quivering and can't get back onto its normal rhythm. A defibrillator will stop this quivering in an attempt to get the heart to re-set itself and begin pumping blood again.

What I didn't know was that these lifesaving machines are foolproof. They have a recorded voice that talks you through the process of how to apply the leads to the person's chest. The machine senses what is happening with the heart and won't proceed with an electrical charge unless it detects fibrillation. So thankfully, it's not up to the first aider to make that decision. However, a first aider will still need to give compressions and breaths in between shocks, but the machine instructs you when to start and stop. As mentioned in the Otautau News & Views, our community defibrillator is located at the Fire Station.

If you would like more information on First Aid, go to the Red Cross website and sign up for a course. St John also offer courses and online practice video scenarios.

Snowfall

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 02:03:00 +0000

Trees and railway south of town.

Main Street (south)

Stoat tracks?

St Joseph's Catholic Church

The Union Presbyterian Church

Otautau Railway

Otautau Stream

Holt Park

Seats in the amphitheatre

Hills around the town

Mini Me (snowman on car top)

Book Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:10:00 +0000

Otautau's annual book sale is coming up next month. If you have books that you'd like to donate, please drop them off at the Otautau SDC office during opening hours.

The book sale is a joint fundraiser for the Otautau Heritage Trust and the Otautau Museum Trust. The sale will take place over the weekend of the 13th and 14th of August at the Courthouse, 146 Main Street. Doors open at 9am and close at 4pm.

You never know if Serendipity has placed a book there just for you to find. So come along - there is something for everyone. And the prices are always reasonable.

Return of the Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:09:00 +0000

The glass was indeed low and we had some dismal weather. We got some snow on the local hills but it didn't stick around for long.

We've had some sunny days since then and things are feeling more normal.

Sometimes my winter pictures of Otautau really don't show how sunny it can be.

So here is an example of how nice it was today.

These horses came over to see why I was taking pictures of trees.

The Glass is Low

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:47:00 +0000

Today, I was talking to someone about the weather. The Takitimus really don't have much snow on them, and her crocuses are starting to bloom. She said, 'we haven't really had winter yet, but the glass is low'. As the saying goes:

When the glass falls low, prepare for a blow.
When the glass is high, let your kites fly.

So if Otautau barometers (glass) are right, we may be in for a storm or even a dumping of snow.