From specialist doctors strike, to aquatic centre reopening, to higher bus fares, to HB Music Gala, to Waipawa forum on proposed Ruantaniwha Dam 2, here are some notable items you might have missed.
Don’t get sick or injured!
Senior specialist doctors in NZ’s public hospitals are set to go on strike for 24 hours this Thursday, May 1st, in a wage dispute.
Health NZ says this could see 4,300 elective surgeries or appointments cancelled, as well as up to 4,300 radiology procedures. Health Minister Simeon Brown declared: “It’s a decision that will hurt patients.”
Actually, it’s gross under-staffing at every level throughout the health system that hurts patients … every day, not just 1 May.
Don’t bother going to the HB Hospital website for local information about this. There is none. However, if you’re clever enough to search under ‘Industrial Action’ on the Health NZ site (to which you will be referred), there it says: “Unfortunately, some appointments will need to be rescheduled. If you have an appointment booked for the day of a planned strike, please come to your appointment unless you are contacted directly to have your appointment rescheduled.”
Napier Aquatic Centre reopens
Napier Aquatic Centre is fully reopening on Monday 28 April after 11 months of essential maintenance work. The significant maintenance and refurbishment project was to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of pool customers and staff.
Mayor Kirsten Wise says that rather than being aesthetic changes the works have been remedial to keep the pool operational and safe for all users and for staff.
The maintenance and refurbishment included work on the lining of the Old Pool, repairs to walls and roofs, flooring upgrades, new heating, improvements to seating and internal and external accessibility upgrades.
Bus fares to rise
Fares on goBay bus services in and around Hastings and Napier will rise on Sunday, 4 May 2025.
The average 5% fare increase is in response to rising operational costs and a requirement from central government to increase the private contribution toward public transport funding, ensuring services remain financially sustainable.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Transport Manager Russell Turnbull says fares are reviewed annually to ensure they reflect changes in the costs of running the service.
“This year, costs have increased due to inflation, wage rises, fuel price volatility, and vehicle maintenance,” he says.
HB Music Industry Gala
The night is dedicated to celebrating and connecting our vibrant local music community. Thursday, May 1st, from 6-8pm, at the Toitoi – Opera House Stage in Hastings.
Experience inspiring talks from advocates beyond our borders and captivating performances by our very own local artists.
Ruataniwha Dam 2 Forum – Waipawa
A public meeting to discuss the proposed Ruataniwha Dam v.2 will be held in the CHB Municipal Theatre in Waipawa on Thursday 1 May at 7:30 pm.
The meeting is sponsored by Wise Water Use HB, opponents of the proposed dam. Q&A opportunity to learn and discuss.
Health system might be stuffed – but the doctors and nurses on the front line are some of the most dedicated people on the planet – they deserve all the support possible
My specialist rang me at 6.30pm last night finishing clinic work. He had been called in 3 times the night before, and worked all day in the wards and clinic. He is incredibly clever and supportive, and I suspect like most health workers, totally unappreciated.