What’s on in Gisborne?Saturday, December 21Gisborne parkrun. A 5km run/walk. Meet: Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club, 280 Grey St, 7.45am. See www.parkrun.co.nz/gisborne/Hansen and Tomlinson Open: Christmas Hams Tournament. Come along for a game of golf; Gross, Nett and Stableford. Patutahi Golf Club, 175 Wharekopae Rd, 8am-7pm, $25 entry fee incl twos and a meal. Tee off times: 8am & midday. Details: George ph 027 370 9869 or 862 7789.Gisborne Basketball Association Basketball Clinic (to Dec 22). A two-day clinic for ages 10/over to learn new basketball skills and moves. Ilminster Intermediate, 70 De Lautour Rd, 9am-3.30pm, ages 10-14; 9am to 12pm, 15/over; 12.30-2.30pm, $30/2-days. Register: Email gba@hotmail.comChristmas in the City: Santa's Grotto (to Dec 24). A magical festive experience for children, or drop off a gift for less fortunate kids. Treble Court, opposite Robert Harris Cafe, 10am-2pm.Tairawhiti Menzshed. Work in a fully equipped woodwork or carpentry workspace. Tairawhiti Menzshed, cnr Parkinson & Innes St, 9am-3pm. Details: Ph/txt James 022 465 0396.Christmas Party: Gisborne Concert Band. Come along with the whanau and be entertained by the Gisborne Concert Band. Wrights Vineyard & Winery, 1093 Wharerata Rd, 11am-4pm, free entry. Gourmet pizzas, beverages, coffee and sweet treats available. Book to secure a table: Ph 027 656 8222 or geoff@wrightswines.co.nzTennis for players of all skill levels. Ormond Tennis Club, Hill Rd, Ormond, 2-4pm, ph 862 5741 or 862 5856.BK Super Saloon Series, Ministock 100 and Ramp Race Derby. Come along for a great night of speedway racing and a visit from Santa. Eastland Group Raceway, 357 Awapuni Rd, gates open 5pm, racing 6pm. Gate sale tickets, subject to change: $50Fam (2A+3C), $20A, $10Snr, $8 5-15s, u/5s free.Carols on the Lawn. Leave your worries behind, bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the Christmas festivities. Mangapapa Church, 71 Atkinson St, 8.15pm, free. The Ashes. Gisborne-based covers band with some rock tunes. Smash Palace Bar, 24 Banks St, 9pm, $5.Sunday, December 22Gisborne Runners and Walkers Club. 1.5 hour walk/run, 8am. For meeting place; email gisbornerunnersandwalkers@gmail.comChristmas in the City: Santa's Grotto, 10am-2pm. See Dec 21.Lions Express Train Rides. Take the kids for a train ride around the playground and lake. Start: near Gisborne Wainui Lions Junior Cycle Park, Centennial Marine Dr, 11am-3pm, $2.Historic MV Takitimu Cruise. Enjoy the sights of Poverty Bay from a fully-restored historic tug. Sailing from Pier 1, Inner Harbour (gate outside Tatapouri SFC), weather permitting, 2pm. Pay at the gate: $20A, $10u/12s, limit 25. Details: Brian ph 027 474 9360.Polo: Kirkpatrick Cup. Teams will be competing for the cup in a thrilling afternoon match. Poverty Bay Polo Club, 130 Bushmere Rd, Matawhero, 3-7pm, free entry.Christmas Carols. Bring the whanau, a picnic blanket or cushions and get into the swing of Christmas. Gisborne Salvation Army Hall, 389 Gladstone Rd, 6.30-8.30pm.Monday, December 23Christmas in the City: Santa's Grotto, 10am-2pm. See Dec 21.Christmas Special Activity. Jolly activities for ages 2-13; fun Christmas stories and create crafts to take home. HB Williams Memorial Library, 34 Bright St, 10.30-12.30pm, free. An adult must accompany tamariki.Mahjong Club. Enjoy a friendly fellowship. Gisborne Town & Country Women's Club, 42 Emily St, 1pm, ph 281 0187.Eastland Toastmasters. For confidence in public speaking. A friendly club which welcomes all visitors. Arohaina, 396 Aberdeen Rd (opposite Botanical Gardens), 5.30-7pm.Tuesday, December 24Tairawhiti Menzshed, 9am-3pm. See Dec 21.Gisborne Farmers' Market: Christmas Eve. Gisborne Farmers' Market: Christmas Eve. Pick up your fresh, locally grown produce to feast on during the festive season. Cnr Stout & Fitzherbert Sts, 9.30am-12.30pm. Details: gisbornefarmersmarket.co.nzChristmas in the City: Santa's Grotto, 10am-2pm. See Dec 21.Over 50s Men's Vets Golf. For any skill level. Poverty Bay Golf Club, cnr Awapuni & Lytton Rds, 11am. Details: ph Dave 867 4402 (opt 1), email Glenn at glennb355@gmail.comWednesday, December 25Christmas Day: Gisborne parkrun. Join in for some Christmas morning cheer and a 5km run/walk. Meet: Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club, 280 Grey St, 7.45am. Kid, dog and pram-friendly.Thursday, December 26Casual Badminton Group. Come along for a game and to meet other players. Badminton Centre, 134 Roebuck Rd, 9.30am, $4. Details: Pascale at pascale.delos@gmail.com or eastland.association@gmail.comFriday, December 27Gisborne Rodeo. Come along and enjoy the family atmosphere with traditional rodeo rides and open events. Entrance: end of Birrell St (off Chalmers Rd), starts 10am, $15A, $5Ch, u/5s free. Details: Bonnie ph 021 0877 6466 or email bjfogarty55@gmail.comWa165 steam train trip to Muriwai. Enjoy the scenery, bring a picnic or have a cuppa on board. Leaving from the Railway Station, Grey St at 1pm, $35A, $15 u/15s, $80Fam (2A & 2Ch). Any unsold tickets from the station half an hour before departure (cash or Eftpos), Gisborne i-Site, 209 Grey St, ph 868 6139, or www.gcvr.org.nzTeen Girls' Surf Club. Weekly sessions to Feb 7, for beginner/intermediate surfers aged 12-18 to learn from female coaches. Midway Surf Life Saving Club, Midway Beach, 3.30-5.30pm, $10/session, free for members. Register: Facebook or gisborneboardriders@gmail.comTBone Live. Resident solo musician with reggae, rock, funk and more. 69 Central, 69 Peel St, 9pm-1am, $10 entry after 8pm. Details: Claudia ph 021 0892 7388.Knights of the Dub Table. A high intensity show with uplifting grooves, live dubs and sassy reggae, with Ariana Henare. Dome Room, PBC, 38 Childers Rd, 9pm-midnight. Tickets: $22-$27.50, https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/knights-of-the-dub-table-or-gisborne-27dec2019/Saturday, December 28Awhina Fishing Club Beach Fishing Competition. A whanau-friendly day for all ages to catch the heaviest fish. Te Puka Boat Ramp to the end of Ongaruru Beach via Waiotu St, lines in water from 6am, $10/rod, 12/under $5/rod. Registration/Safety Briefing: Tokomaru Bay United Sports Club, Hate-a-rangi Domain; Dec 27: 5-7pm, or Dec 28: 5.30-7am. Forms also from Harbourview Marine, 1 Wainui Rd, Gisborne. Details ph James 06 864 5770. Weigh-in 3-4pm, prize-giving 6pm at TBUS Club. Postponement details; Radio Ngati Porou, 7.30am.Gisborne parkrun, 7.45am. See Dec 21.NZ Beach Tour: Gisborne Slam and Junior Joust (& Dec 29). Beach volleyball action with NZs best players, along with international teams battling for the title. Waikanae Beach, ocean end of Grey St, 9am-5pm, free for spectators.Gisborne Woodturners' Group. Come along and work in the workshop or see what the group does. Clubrooms beside Enterprise Pool carpark, Nelson Rd, 10am-2pm. Details: Bill ph 027 450 7719 or gizzywheelers@gmail.comTolaga Bay Charity Beach Races. Annual event since 1876 with seven horse races and $1 betting. Kaiaua Rd, Tolaga Bay, 12.30-5pm, racing from 1pm. See Facebook for details. The event is run by volunteers, all prizes donated and proceeds go back to the local community. Enter a horse: Chris ph 021 257 1113.Wa165 steam train trip to Muriwai, 1pm. See Dec 27.Ormond Tennis Club, 2-4pm. See Dec 21.Te Karaka Speed Shear. Teams of four compete for bragging rights and a chance to become a finalist. Rangatira Tavern, cnr Library & Cliff Rds, Te Karaka, 5pm, spectator; gold coin donation at door. Registration opens 4pm, $40/team of four.Sulfate, Dick Move & The MurderChord Summer Tour. Come along for a touch of punk rock. Smash Palace Bar, 24 Banks St, 8-11pm.Sunday, December 29Gisborne Runners and Walkers Club, 8am start. See Dec 22.NZ Beach Tour: Gisborne Slam and Junior Joust, 9am-5pm. Juniors from 9am, semi-finals from 10am and finals 2-3pm. See Dec 28.Lions Express Train Rides, 11am-3pm. See Dec 22.Rhythm and Vines Pool Party (to Dec 31). Epic poolside parties with music and a bus to R&V included. Emerald Hotel, 13 Gladstone Rd, midday-5pm. Tickets: $40+Bfee at https://www.rhythmandvines.co.nz/ticketsHistoric MV Takitimu Cruise, 2pm. See Dec 22.Rhythm and Vines Festival (to Jan 1). Farewell 2019 at NZs ultimate three-day international music festival and welcome in the first sunrise of 2020 with personalities and artists; Aaron Smith, Alison Wonderland, Dane Rumble, Disclosure, GLXY, Home Brew, Leisure, Mako Road, Openside, Peach Milk, Poi E, Steve Hansen, Vayne, Wilkinson (DJ Set) and Ziggy Alberts. Waiohika Estate Vineyard, 75 Waimata Valley Rd. Dec 29; 2pm-midnight, Dec 30; 2pm-midnight, Dec 31; 2pm-sunrise. R18. Day Pass Tickets: $125-$185+Bfee, https://www.rhythmandvines.co.nz/ticketsNone
Jingling their bellsJoin a jingle of around 30 Christmas carol singers tonight as they progress around the CBD as part of Gisborne City Centre Vibrancy's late night shopping opportunity. Santas, elves and fairies will also be about with giveaways for the family. The carol singing begins in Treble Court at 6pm, makes its way around the business district streets and returns to Treble Court by 9pm.From 11am to 4pm on Saturday the Gisborne Concert Band will lead a Christmas party at Wrights Vineyard and Winery, 1093 Wharerata Rd, Manutuke.And on Sunday evening from 6pm to 8.30pm the public is invited to join in with carol singing at the Salvation Army hall, 389 Gladstone Rd. Take a picnic, blanket or cushions and the family. None
Christmas on creditPeople seeking financial help from Gisborne Budget Moni Ora are $2.4 million in debt and this could continue to rise from the demands of Christmas.Over the festive period, families are asking for things they might not be able to afford, so it is best to plan and stay focused, says Gisborne Budget Moni Ora manager Lynda Markie.“Many in Gisborne have little room for Christmas in their budgets so looking for no- or low-cost options is important,” she says.“Knowing your budget priorities and limits can help you resist impulse buying. “Things like making a list and checking it off while shopping and talking to your family about Christmas expenses can be really helpful.“For example, Secret Santa, where you choose a spending limit and only have to buy for one family member, is a personal favourite which stopped my own Christmas overspend in its tracks.”“It's a good idea to sit down and assess your normal household budget. After paying the necessities, see what you can go without to redirect money to Christmas.”Gisborne Budget Moni Ora has worked with 275 clients over the past 12 months.Eighty-five of those attended for one session. The rest attended ongoing sessions for more in-depth support, including debt management. Those ongoing cases totalled nearly $2.4m of debt. Many were behind in payments, with an average of just over $1000 debt arrears. Moni Ora provides on average 100 free appointments a month such as private korero kanohi ki te kanohi — confidential face-to-face sessions with a financial mentor and MoneyMates programmes to build financial knowledge, confidence and resilience. Know what you can afford and prioritise, says Ms Markie.“Many of us feel pressured but taking control and making a plan can really protect you against getting caught up in the Christmas hype.“Christmas is an expensive time but it's just one day. If we reframe it without the commercial hype and think about what is important to us, it helps to keep it in proportion.”“Using credit cards or after-pay means you have to pay bills off over the summer holiday when you most likely want to be out enjoying yourself.“Summer holidays can be expensive for families with children. They are off school and constantly looking in the fridge for something to eat, or wanting money for social outings with their friends.“If you commit to after-pay, that might really impact on your summer fun, especially if you're having to be mindful of back-to-school costs at the end of January,” she said.None
TSUNAMI PLAN VITAL ‘As a region we are vulnerable to tsunami of any size at any time’Tairawhiti residents will need to reassess their evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami following the release of a report and maps showing inundation zones for the region.The new Tsunami Inundation Assessment Report was released today on the Gisborne District Council website following a process of peer review over 2019, The final review by GNS Science, initially scheduled for February 2020, was completed this week. A council statement said the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group approved publishing the report following confirmation the information met the required national standard for tsunami modelling. The report and maps are based on new research into modelling of a local tsunami generated from a magnitude 8.9 earthquake centred in the Hikurangi subduction zone off the East Coast.GDC chief executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann said the council requested a final review to ensure the zones that could be affected by a local tsunami were acceptable.“The review of the report ensures we can give our community greater confidence in the information and identify as accurately as possible those areas and people who could be affected.”The maps will be the basis of a readiness campaign aimed at educating affected communities, residents and businesses to prepare and rehearse evacuation plans.“As a region we are vulnerable to tsunami of any size at any time. It's crucial we all have a plan and know what to do based on the new information. “As we come together over Christmas this is a good time to talk about evacuation plans and preparing emergency kits,” Ms Thatcher-Swann said.“We will continue to enjoy our beaches over the summer, but please remember the message ‘if there's an earthquake that's long or strong, get gone' — get to higher ground immediately or as far inland as possible.”The report, including inundation maps and information, is available at www.gdc.govt.nz/civil-defence. Evacuation routes will follow, a council statement said.The region is susceptible to a mega-thrust earthquake due to its proximity to the Hikurangi subduction zone, where the Pacific plate dives beneath the Australian plate.Development of a recovery plan in the wake of a mega-thrust earthquake is already under way.Last year five Civil Defence Emergency Management groups from across the North Island's east coast — Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti (Gisborne), Hawke's Bay, Manawatu-Whanganui and Wellington — started working with umbrella group East Coast Life at the Boundary (LAB) to develop a government-funded Hikurangi Response Plan in the event of a rupture of the subduction zoneThe Hikurangi subduction zone runs the length of the North Island's east coast, passing as close as 40 kilometres offshore of Gisborne.The emergency plan will set out how Civil Defence, in the areas most likely to be affected, will respond to a Hikurangi subduction zone earthquake and tsunami.The final plan will not be ready until 2021 but scientists have developed a credible magnitude 8.9 earthquake and tsunami scenario, which is being used to determine potential impacts, response priorities and resource requirements.Download the maps below from the GDC website:Anaura BayEast CapeGisborne cityHicks BayMuriwaiOkituPouawaPoverty Bay FlatsTe AraroaTokomaru BayTuparoaWaiapuWaihau BeachWainuiWaipiro BayWhangara None
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