Western News: July 13, 2023

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4 Thursday July 13 2023 A BUSY WEEK away from the clinic Steve, Connor and myself recently attended the NZL Veterinary Conference in the Capital. My very first vet conference, attending with my son. Was a fabulous 3 days reconnecting and sharing ideas with colleagues, learning new medical treatments and more about diseases, visiting the trade stands and formulating our “wish lists”, and spending time with Connor. Steve tested Pomeranians through to Great Danes, checking for diseases such as: • Distichiasis - an extra row of eyelashes that are directed towards the cornea (window of the eye) • Cataracts - cloudiness of the lens which is normally like a clear marble in the middle of the eye GOVERNMENT FUNDED: The Jobs for Nature scheme has provided $1.19 billion in Government funding over four years. Nature work scheme making a difference I attended lectures on heart disease in cats and dogs, airway disease ( BOAS) in the Brachycephalic dog breeds, anaesthetic regimes for cardiac and respiratory patients, nutrition in heart disease and the coughing dog. I actually love being back in lecture theatre, soaking up new knowledge, new medications and what’s new in research. In veterinary medicine you can never know enough, and I realised early on that to get the most of my job and help as many patients as I can, I was going to have to keep up the study and constantly keep improving and bettering myself. Which is what I have done for 33 years. It’s the degree that just keeps on giving. Steve also recently held an “eye testing” day in Auckland, organised and run by the Auckland Poodle Club. It was a jammed packed, fun day, with 104 dogs in attendance to have their eyes checked by Steve for inherited diseases. Steve started at 8am, finishing at 4pm with only a 10 minute break. I joined as Steve’s secretary, uploading patient details and making sure the microchip numbers matched the dogs. • Retinal Dysplasia - the retina is the “nerve” at the back of the eye that collects all the visual information. Retinal dysplasia with when the retina is not formed properly when the puppy is an embryo being formed • Progressive retinal atrophy - a disease where the retina starts to “die away” when the dog is an adult. It is a little bit like macular degeneration is people. • Glaucoma - is an increase in pressure within the eye caused by a blockage of the internal drainage angle. This is nearly always a nasty painful disease in dogs. THE JOBS for Nature scheme has provided $1.19 billion in Government funding over four years to with an aim to bring people into nature-based employment and support skills training. Mitch Thorn is one of a team of five young people employed through the scheme by the city council as part of the Government’s Covid-19 recovery package. “It’s been a hell of an opportunity, we’re really lucky I reckon,” Mitch said. “The park rangers have got a lot of work that needs doing and being able to have five field crew put the hours in and get stuff done on the ground has helped free them up to work on other projects that they wouldn’t normally have the time for, which increases the conservation gain from the wider team.” Alongside him are Matt, Mackenzie, Hannah and Georgia, who are all in their twenties. For 23-year-old, Mackenzie the variety of her job is a draw card. Along with pest plant control and animal control there’s also planting, maintenance and habitat restoration on the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula. Hannah was a summer seasonal ranger at Bottle Lake Forest Park before starting with Jobs for Nature in February last year. She sees a future for herself in some sort of conservation field work. “Everything I’ve been doing is quite new so I’m still learning all the different areas,” she said. Matt was also on a seasonal summer contract before starting and welcomed the longer-term position. He enjoys wildlife and has since had opportunities with city council ecologists to do skink monitoring and bird counts around Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere. “Long-term I want to work with wildlife in New Zealand. My wife is from Zimbabwe so eventually we might end up going there and I’d like to carry on doing conservation work,” Matt said. City council head of regional parks Kay Holder said the Jobs for Nature staff had been invaluable. “The scheme has provided the opportunity for 10 more staff to work in Christchurch parks and natural environments across the city. Not only has this seen a great increase in plant and animal pest control, planting and maintenance, it has also given training and learning opportunities to people who will now be better placed to continue this important work,” Holder said. Steve has organised more clinics around the country to eye test breeding dogs. It’s very important for the specific breeds and breeders that hereditary conditions are identified are not passed on to future generations. Dr Michele McMaster BVSc AT WORK: Matt preparing a site on the Port Hills ahead of a volunteer planting day. PHOTOS: NEWSLINE Open 7 days Cnr Hoon Hay & Coppell place ph: 338 2534 e. reception@mcmasterandheap.co.nz www.mcmasterheap.co.nz
Thursday July 13 2023 5 FOCUS: Griffin Taylor-Buchanan (left), from Harewood, is all concentration as he returns a shot during the Otago table tennis under 21 final at the weekend. Taylor- Buchanan beat Eric Kim, from Riccarton, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5. PHOTOS: GERARD O’BRIEN Titles on the squash and badminton courts for Burnside Burnside High School students James O’Keefe, Addison Po, and Ryan Gillman beat Marlborough Boys’ College in a tense final to take out the South Island secondary schools squash boys’ team title. It was the first time a Burnside team have won the prestigious event, which was held in Christchurch. They will now represent the school at the NZ secondary squash team championships in Auckland. Burnside’s boys’ premier 1 team also won the South Island secondary school boys’ badminton teams championship for the second year in a row. The girls’ premier 1 team finished third at the South Island secondary schools girls badminton teams championships. PARKER AUTOMOTIVE WOF All Automotive Repairs and Servicing including 4WD Suspension Brakes & Cambelts WOF, Tyres, Batteries 23B Birmingham Drive, Middleton Ph 03 982 4268 Mobile: 027 331 0382 Email: parkerauto89@outlook.com only $60 • Courtesy cars • Transmission flush service • Oil changes • Tyres & batteries • Full mechanical repairs • Petrol & diesel • Brake & clutch repairs servicing PERFECT FIRST HOME OR INVESTMENT This smart property is the perfect opportunity for those seeking a comfortable, solidly built home or a promising investment. With its prime location, desirable features, and nearby amenities, it offers an attractive package for potential buyers. The home comprises of two bedrooms and one bathroom, making it an ideal choice for individuals, couples, or small families. The interior has been thoughtfully updated, featuring a modern kitchen, new carpet and drapes, along with a fresh coat of paint, which adds a touch of freshness to the living space. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the newly painted front fence and gates, which not only enhance the property’s curb appeal but also provide an extra layer of security. The sunny aspect ensures ample natural light throughout the day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. One of the notable highlights of this property is the inclusion of a pellet fire, which not only adds a cosy ambiance during the colder months but also offers an efficient and environmentally friendly heating option. Families with children will appreciate the proximity to St Martins Primary School, ensuring convenience for the younger members of the household. Additionally, being within the Cashmere High School zone adds further value to this fantastic location. For those who prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle, the small easycare garden will be a welcome feature. Spend more time enjoying your home and less time on tedious yard work. 203 Centaurus Road is a true gem, offering a range of benefits for first-time homeowners and investors alike. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure a comfortable and modern property in a sought-after area. Contact me today to arrange a viewing and start envisioning your future. Grenadier Real Estate Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008 GRENADIER 203 Centaurus Road, St Martins 2 1 Debbie Pettigrew M 027 777 0411 1 2 Auction 13 July 2023 (Unless Sold Prior) View harcourts.co.nz/BE194171 Legalese is smart. Legal ease is smarter. FOR EXPERTISE THAT SIMPLIFIES, LET’S TALK. 03 349 5111 | WIGRAM.LAWYER@SAUNDERS.CO.NZ | CITY, WIGRAM, PAPANUI, FERRYMEAD | SAUNDERS.CO.NZ
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Western News: July 13, 2023

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