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SOUTHERN VIEW Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Tuesday <strong>June</strong> 4 <strong>2019</strong> 11 News Local News Now Bunny crosses protest calcivirus Fire rages, homes at risk • By Julia Evans PETER RABBIT, Bugs Bunny, Roger Rabbit, Thumper, Jack Rabbit and the Easter Bunny. They are some of children’s most beloved bunnies and they now have a grave site at the Anzac Drive and New Brighton Rd roundabout. A hike in the rabbit population in the red zone over the last year will see the calicivirus K5 released in Heathcote, Brooklands, Horseshoe Lake, Bexley and Avondale at the end of <strong>June</strong>. On the McLean scale of one to eight, which measures rabbit density, biosecurity experts scored the areas four. That’s an increase since last spring, which has led to the virus’ release and someone putting up the memorials. The New Zealand Transport Agency – which manages the roundabout – is aware of the crosses, said maintenance contract manager North Canterbury Barry Stratton. “But [it] is not planning to remove them unless they cause safety issues with people not paying attention to their driving.” Mr Stratton said the agency does not know who put the memorials up. Land Information New Zealand Christchurch manager for land and property, Matt Bradley, said the K5 virus was the recommended option as it only affected European rabbits. “We consulted with the New Zealand Veterinary Association BYE BYE BUNNY: Memorial crosses for Jack Rabbit, Thumper, Roger Rabbit and Bugs Bunny are among those set up on the Anzac Drive and New Brighton Rd roundabout. before making the decision to release the virus. They have made sure veterinary clinics in Christchurch are aware so they can remind all owners of pet rabbits to take the appropriate steps to ensure their animals are vaccinated appropriately,” Mr Bradley said. NZVA chief veterinary officer Helen Beattie said some pet rabbits in the area will have some immunity from previous vaccinations, but others will have no protection. “Rabbits vaccinated against previously released strains of the calicivirus are likely to have some immunity but owners should be aware these animals require a booster vaccination every 12 months,” Dr Beattie said. “Rabbits that have not been vaccinated will not be protected and owners should have these animals vaccinated as soon as possible.” The vaccination can take up to 21 days to become effective. Calicivirus is spread by direct contact with other rabbits through insect vectors, such as flies and fleas, or by contact with contaminated objects. It kills rabbits within 12 to 36 hours of infection. LINZ is also monitoring the number of possums, rats, mice, stoats, weasels, ferrets and canada geese in the red zone. Hospital patients in danger crossing road • By Matt Slaughter SOME BURWOOD Hospital patients are being put in danger when trying to cross the Burwood and Mairehau Rds intersection, says the New Zealand Spinal Trust. The trust’s members want traffic lights to be installed at the intersection. A site visit is set to take place between trust representatives, city council staff and Burwood Ward city councillor Glenn Livingstone, where the trust will attempt to show the need for lights. City council transport operations manager Steffan Thomas said the intersection is on its radar, but it is too early to determine how it would be improved. “There is a budget allocated in the current Long Term Plan for intersection improvements at the Burwood-Mairehau intersection and scheme options are currently being investigated. How and when the project progresses will be determined through the Annual Plan process, which will be adopted in late <strong>June</strong>. The intersection has been on budget since the 2015-25 Long Term Plan,” Mr Thomas said. Spinal trust senior pair support co-ordinator Brett Ladbrook said traffic lights would be the safest option. “I’ve seen what they’ve done to the Burwood Rd and QE II intersection when the traffic lights were put in there from a roundabout and that made a huge difference to the flow of traffic, but also to pedestrians being able to get across a very, very busy road.” Mr Ladbrook, who uses a wheelchair, said the intersection, which patients cross to get to the nearby shops, is becoming increasingly busy. “With the advent of the Prestons Rd subdivision coming in, the traffic flow there now is worse than it’s ever been.” Mr Ladbrook said at the start of the year, a woman fell from her wheelchair and fractured her foot crossing the road. The only protection available to people crossing the road is four traffic islands and a roundabout. Spinal trust chief executive Hans Wouters said motorists will sometimes drive through the roundabout without taking time to look for pedestrians. There is only 3-4m between the traffic islands and each side of the road, but this is a long way for inexperienced wheelchair users, Mr Wouters said. “They are unskilled wheelchair users, who are brand new to disability, lacking in skills and confidence. “If someone zips around the corner coming from the opposite direction, you could be compromised.” Cr Livingstone said a date is yet to be set for the site meeting. WATCH OUT: Hans Wouters (left) and Brett Ladbrook, of the New Zealand Spinal Trust, say the Burwood and Mairehau Rds intersection is too dangerous for wheelchair users. $53,000 WORTH OF PRIZES TO BE WON!
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