The Star: August 20, 2020

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The Star Thursday August 20 2020 6 NEWS Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Infectious disease expert honoured WITNESSING the devastating effects of diseases such as measles and the transformational benefits of vaccines as a young doctor working in Sir Edmund Hillary’s remote Nepalese mountain hospital, inspired David Murdoch’s interest in infectious diseases. Decades on, the now professor and world-renowned expert has been awarded the University of Otago’s highest distinction. Professor David Murdoch is this year’s recipient of the university’s distinguished research medal. It is awarded for outstanding scholarly achievement, including the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge, or development of concepts that lead to significant advances in the field. The Christchurch-based researcher is a recognised world leader in the study, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Among his notable achievements are a leading role in a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded global study of childhood pneumonia that changed the way the disease is diagnosed, treated and prevented in developing countries; and years of research on legionnaires’ disease that culminated in the establishment of a New Zealandwide surveillance system. He also co-director of the One Health Aoteaora research alliance, a diverse network of infectious disease experts working to address health hazards related to animal and environmental factors. He also works at the Canterbury District Health Board as a clinical microbiologist. In recent months Murdoch has advised the Government during the Covid-19 pandemic and was one of three international experts invited to advise the Oxford University team developing a vaccine for Covid-19. Murdoch said Covid-19 has highlighted the global importance of infectious disease risks and the need for the whole world to work as one to address major global threats. It has also highlighted the importance of research and scientists’ role as translators. “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of science-informed policy and the critical need for clear and trusted communication.” Murdoch said the pandemic has also highlighted the need for LEADER: David Murdoch is a recipient of University of Otago’s distinguished research medal. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN kindness, leadership and equity. He said one of the highlights of his career has been working with many wonderful groups and individuals. “To be part of a large global network of values-driven researchers, including many New Zealand colleagues, has been an absolute highlight … these colleagues are all friends, including some of my closest, and I am a strong believer in the importance of friendship in successful research endeavours.” He said research leaders have an important role to play in creating environments where others flourish; in building capability, mentorship and diversity; and addressing inequities. University of Otago Vice Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne says the award is richly deserved. “Professor Murdoch is the epitome of a leader. He works tirelessly to progress the understanding of infectious diseases and because of his mana in the field and gift for communication and collaboration, he has been able to ensure his research findings are implemented and make a difference to the health of individuals and communities. “One significant example of his impact was the critical part he played in the establishment of a national vaccination programme for all Nepalese children, which happened because of his rigorous research and ability to work with governmental agencies and the World Health Organisation.” University of Otago deputy vice-chancellor, research and enterprise, Professor Richard Blaikie says Murdoch stood out among other highly deserving nominees for the quality of his research as well as the benefits it has for people and communities globally. “David clearly cares deeply about translating research into impact and is a shining example for many researchers to follow.” Why kiwis should make sure they are on fibre broadband PROMOTED CONTENT New Zealanders are spoilt for choice when it comes to the broadband technology available – thanks to world-class fibre broadband availability to 80 per cent of households. Despite fibre’s availability, choosing the right broadband can be a real headache managing all the technologies, deals and services from internet providers. As well as fibre, there’s other technologies around like cellular-based services sold as broadband (called fixed wireless) and some homes are still on old copper broadband (called ADSL and VDSL). The differences between these broadband technologies turn up as speed, service reliability and how much performance drops when lots of people are using their broadband service the same time – like during peak times in the evening. Sometimes bad weather can be a factor for some technology. These factors can have a significant impact on the internet experience you have at home and can even stop you doing the things you want to - The right broadband technology may eliminate or reduce stop-start streaming and buffering, or low-quality video when watching movies or video conferencing. streaming movies, connecting with family over video or gaming. The right broadband technology may eliminate or reduce stop-start streaming and buffering, or low-quality video when watching movies or video conferencing. Why you should not let your internet provider choose your broadband The simple answer is that only you can make the best decision for your family or household and you have a right to know what you are buying. Most people would not let someone else choose their new TV or car. It might seem like an odd comparison, but your broadband is likely to cost you up to $1000 per year, maybe more, and you could be tied in for two years. Broadband is a big purchase. Make sure you ask your internet provider exactly what technology they are offering you, what speed you can expect from that technology and to explain how it will meet your needs. How to choose the right broadband and compare different technologies The good news is the Commerce Commission publishes a quarterly broadband comparison report to help consumers make informed decisions. The latest report highlights the differences in performance in average download speeds on different technologies. On a 100Mbps (megabits per second - speed) fibre plan, you get an average speed of 99Mbps – so what you would expect and pay for. On a top end fibre plan the average speed jumps to over 708Mbps. Other technologies are much slower – ADSL (9Mbps), fixed wireless (26Mbps) and VDSL (43Mbps). Speed is the key to good broadband performance and the report highlights this. With fibre you can successfully stream ultra-high definition video nearly all the time (99 per cent). On VDSL this drops by about 10 per cent, on fixed wireless this will only work two-thirds of the time and one tenth of the time on ADSL. The report also highlights the difference in technology performance during the Covid-19 lockdown when so many people were dependent on the quality of their home broadband – with 100Mbps fibre service speeds unaffected and fixed wireless speeds reducing by 20 per cent to 25 per cent. Broadbandcompare.co.nz compares different deals available from internet providers. You can see what broadband technology is available, how much data is included and what the contract term is. Visit enable.net.nz to find out if fibre is available at your place.
• By Matt Slaughter A WELL-respected Canterbury horse trainer who died of cancer on Sunday had lost his house in a fire a week earlier. Tony Prendergast, 84, died after a battle with cancer, at Nurse Maude Hospice, where he had been taken after the blaze. Tony’s wife, Lyn Prendergast, managed to get him and herself out through a sliding door in their bedroom of their West Melton property when the fire started at 5pm on August 9. Their home, Zetland Lodge on Weedons Ross Rd, was destroyed and decades of racing trophies and memorabilia was lost. Tony’s daughter Jo Prendergast-Lory told The Star yesterday the fire was initially brought under control but reignited about 1.30am, completely destroying it. “There were all of dad’s diaries that he kept from when he was a young man and he wrote in them every night, racing memorabilia from Hong Kong, Australia and, obviously, all around New Zealand, photos, trophies, dress rugs for the horses, family photos [and] treasures from his home town of Hyde in Central Otago,” she said. Flames first ignited in the main bathroom of the house, a few metres from the bedroom where Prendergast was. Lyn was in the living room and saw Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Home gutted, owner dies of cancer GUTTED: Zetland Lodge, the West Melton home of Tony and Lyn Prendergast, was severely damaged by fire a week before Tony died of cancer. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN PUBLIC MEETING MON 24 AUG 7:30 - 8:45pm Doors open at 7:15pm for refreshments. FREE – No need to book. How clean is our estuary water? Scientist report finding from a recent estuary water quality research Speakers: Venue: Dr Lesley Bolton-Ritchie (Environment Canterbury) Dr Bruce Dudley (NIWA) and Richard Measures (NIWA) Mount Pleasant Community Centre 3 McCormacks Bay Road smoke in time to make it to the bedroom and get herself and Prendergast out. She said fire investigators are still determining the cause of the blaze. But she has been told it was started by an appliance temporarily in the bathroom drying equipment. Prendergast-Lory said Lyn is “being very stoic, she’s putting on an extremely brave face. “She’s overwhelmed, but she’s also overwhelmed by everybody’s kindness,” she said. •Prendergast’s career, page 31 The revolution in heat pumps is here now! Thursday August 20 2020 The Star NEWS 7 Caravan destroyed in blaze • By Matt Slaughter A FIRE completely destroyed a Christchurch man’s caravan on Saturday night. The fire started at a property on Mathers Rd, Hoon Hay, about 6.25pm. The man who lived in the caravan behind his parents’ property, does not want to be named but said he was at work during the fire. He said he may have died if he had been inside. “If I was there, I could have been sleeping.” The fire also destroyed a fence on the property, but the caravan was far enough away from the house in front of it that the fire did not spread to it or any neighbouring properties. Said the man: “I’m so happy it didn’t burn down the whole place.” A statement from Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the blaze was started by “a heater too close to flammable materials.” The revolution in heat pumps is here now! Say hello to Fujitsu’s latest lifestyle range HEAT PUMPS FROM $1999 inc GST INSTALLED! The Fujitsu e3series The brilliant heat pumps from Fujitsu e1 : efficiency e2 : environment e3 : economy 2020 Conditions apply Website: www.pshc.co.nz Finance available Heat Pumps NEW ZEALAND’S FAVOURITE AIR ® Fujitsu’s Catechin Filters are approved by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s Sensitive Choice ® programme. FREE consultation from your local Accredited Heat Pump Expert For more information contact: info@estuary.org.nz Phone today: 03 381 6950 INSERT DEALER DETAILS HERE Email: info@pshc.co.nz FG1441 UNWIND WITH A SHORT & SUITE STAY Indulge and de-stress with a luxurious two night stay and dinner for two. ONLY BOOK $798 TODAY BASED ON TWO PEOPLE SHARING T&C’s apply. Visit www.millbrook.co.nz/ visitor-info/special-offers/short-and-suite Your Short & Suite Package includes: · A two night stay in our luxurious One Bedroom Suite. · ‘A Taste of Kobe’ dinner for two. · Receive $40 resort credit to use at any outlet. · Millbrook welcome gift upon arrival. · Complimentary access to our Health & Fitness Centre – swimming pool, outdoor hot pools, detoxifying saunas and gymnasium. · Complimentary shuttle service to Arrowtown and Central Queenstown. · Complimentary Wi-Fi. · Want to stay a little longer? Add an extra night for only $329. To check availability: Contact the Reservations Team or visit our website. New Zealand: 0800 800 652 E: reservations@millbrook.co.nz
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The Star: August 20, 2020

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