RobiNZ Personal Blog

Health Minister censors National Public Health Service Doctors? | Simeon Brown | David Seymour | Chris.Bishop | Christopher Luxon

This quote from Simeon Brown, Health Minister: Doctors fear Govt instruction means they can’t talk freely about public health issues - Stuff "Brown said: “Writing submissions opposing a fast-food restaurant in Wānaka, as Health NZ did last year, is not what New Zealanders expect from their health service.” “My expectation is that Health NZ should prioritise delivering healthcare services over engaging in broader advocacy efforts. This includes the National Public Health Service which should be focused on improving immunisation rates and tackling key health challenges, rather than weighing in on where fast-food outlets should be located,” he said." I sent... Read more →

Road Up & Trail Down Tākaka Hill | Time Out 2021-22 Golden Bay

The forecast warned of storms on the way later in the week and woke to the first sign of them. It was only overcast skies; the heavy rain is due Thursday when I'm 'supposed' to be leaving. When it rains here, it rains a lot with ~1.4m+ annual precipitation. Back in February 2018 Cyclone Gita dumped ~200mm rainfall in 18 hours, flooding the valleys and destroying SH60 on Tākaka Hill: the road I was about to ride: "About 6000 Golden Bay residents and tourists are isolated as ex-cyclone Gita turned the Takaka Hill road into "a river"" "There are 16... Read more →

Exploring to Collingwood | Time Out 2021-22 Golden Bay

I booked a guided trip departing from Collingwood tomorrow, but timing meant would have to drive for that. Collingwood is just 26km along the only road, cycling it would allow me to explore all the side roads and beaches along the way. No need for GPS, just follow this road. Tākaka River, might end up here for a swim if the tide is too low. An aircraft departing as I went past Tākaka Aerodrome reminded me how we arrived last time. Back in 2011 flew in from Karamea with a cycle tour but we didn't ride in Golden Bay. In... Read more →

I'm Pedalling for Plunket, donations appreciated! #Pedal4Plunket

I’m cycling from Ruakaka to Wellsford* (the red line below) to help raise funds for Plunket NZ Read more →