The Star: November 04, 2021

Thursday November 4 2021 The Star
Contact tracing is vital
WHEN I wrote my
column last week, in
support of the vaccination
drive that was happening
in Aranui, I had no idea
that we were about to
find out that the highly
contagious Delta variant
of Covid had made its way
to Christchurch.
This was something that
was always going to happen.
I just wished we had
had a bit more time to get
the vaccination rates up.
That being said, this has
been the wake-up call that
some were waiting for. We
are now over 90 per cent
for the first dose, which
says we should be over 90
per cent for the second jab
by the end of the month.
However, the distribution
across the city is not
even. And the focus will
need to continue in those
communities that will
actually do much worse if
Covid lets loose.
There were many disappointing
aspects of the
case, including evidencing
a degree of complacency.
First, neither were using
the Covid app or signing
in. I can’t emphasise how
important it is to do so. If
we don’t and we catch the
virus, we will have to rely
on our memories to warn
others of where we have
been. Contact tracing is
vital under these circumstances.
People seem to have
become complacent about
mask wearing too. I often
remind people that it’s not
about people protecting
themselves. It’s the other
Mayor
Lianne Dalziel
way round. It’s about protecting
others.
This is a case where individuals
acting alone will
never be enough. We all
need to be in this together.
I love that the
community-led initiative
in Aranui was able to
break through some of the
anxiety, but we still have a
way to go.
FAST-GROWING solar
energy company Lightforce
has announced the winner
of the Solar for Good
campaign in Canterbury,
which it ran to celebrate
the opening of its new solar
hub in Christchurch.
Lightforce asked
Cantabrians to nominate
charities and not-forprofits
that did great work
in their communities and
it received around 200
entries.
Edible Canterbury was
chosen by the Lightforce
staff as the most deserving
and it will get a free
$30,000 solar and battery
system installed
at its new building
at the Ōtākaro
Orchard, an urban
learning hub for
local food and environmental
awareness
in the heart of
Christchurch.
Committee member
and head of the
Ōtākaro Orchard Project
Control group for the
building Murray James, is
“remarkably grateful” to be
the recipient of Lightforce’s
generosity.
“There is no better news,”
he said.
“As an organisation,
what we’re wanting to do
is support those
that are supporting
us.”
Lightforce is
responsible for
around 20 per cent
of the country’s
solar installs and is
expanding rapidly
around the country.
Chief experience
officer Kat Rundle says
Edible Canterbury, which
is all about creating a more
regenerative food culture in
the region, was the perfect
choice as it also focuses on
CONTENT MARKETING
19
$30,000 solar and battery
system for Edible Canterbury
Murray
James
ECO-FRIENDLY: An artist’s impression of the
orchard building.
sustainability and selfsufficiency.
“Cutting energy bills
for charities like Edible
Canterbury by installing
solar systems means they
can spend more money
doing the things they’re
passionate about. We really
related to their vision and
they’ve done so much
work to bring that vision
to life over the years. We
all know the sun’s energy
is essential for growing
our food, but it’s good to
see more New Zealanders
starting to recognise that
the sun can also help power
our modern lives more
sustainably.”
Open homes
Sat 6, 13 & 27 Nov - 10am - 2pm
Come along and join us for a personal tour around our Villas,
Studios and grounds. Our new Village Manager, Vicky Knipe,
and our Village Coordinator, Jane Woodill, will be delighted
to meet you. Bring along your family to experience Bishop
Selwyn’s amazing staff and all the services we have to offer.
Bishop Selwyn Village is a safe place to call home.
Our studios and villas offer large spacious rooms, modern
kitchens and garden courtyards. Our residents enjoy a
secure and quiet location with a homely, community feel.
We look forward to seeing you there!
To find out more contact Jane Woodill on 027 215 8220
or email us at bishopselwyn@ultimatecare.co.nz
350 Selwyn Street, Spreydon
www.ultimatecare.co.nz
OPEN HOME DATES SUBJECT TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 LEVEL