This isn’t the column I wanted to write.

I was back on my bike, back on the road again. Last year I cycled from Cape Reinga to my home in the Waikato. I was continuing the journey this year, heading for Wellington.

When I left home, the coronavirus – Covid-19 – had barely a toehold here. But that changed rapidly as I pedaled slowly along, everyday further from home.

Today is a day Tamahere can reflect on other tough times – the 12th anniversary of the Icepak fire that claimed the life of firefighter Derek Lovell.

The lives of seven other firefighters were changed forever, too, in central Tamahere on a sunny April 5 much like today. Seriously injured were Merv Neil, Alvan Walker, Brian Halford, Cameron Grylls, David Beanland, Adrian Brown and Dennis Wells.

That day, also, brave and selfless locals went to the aid of the seriously injured firefighters.

Freephone 0800 800 405  

That’s the freephone number to call if you live in the Waikato region and you or your whānau need help getting food, groceries or other household goods and services.

A newly formed Covid-19 emergency operations centre formed by the Waikato district and Hamilton city councils will collect information from you to provide the support you need throughout the lockdown period. 

The family of a young Tamahere man, seriously injured in a recent hit and run incident, are appealing for help in solving the crime.

On Tuesday, March 24, pedestrian Dion McFetridge , 21, was hit on Tamahere Drive by a speeding car and was left lying badly injured in the centre of the road.

There are several witnesses to the incident and a description of the vehicle but not its licence plate number.

Easter, a time when religious and cultural traditions are observed around the world, is also a time of moveable feasts of traditional foods.

Hot Cross buns, a favourite with New Zealanders, are supposed to be eaten only on Good Friday, never at any other time of the year. But popularity can overcome tradition. This sweet treat is versatile:

The Waikato Mayoral Forum has work underway to identify more than $10 million of “shovel-ready” projects to stimulate the Waikato economy.

Forum chair, Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson, said the projects sought should be ready to go within six months of the lockdown end in order to contribute to a substantial stimulus of the local economy and create jobs.

Waikato political leaders will meet on Monday, March 30, via teleconference to discuss Covid-19 and its significant economic and social impacts on the region.

They will focus specifically on how Waikato authorities can come together to kick start an economic recovery.

The quickest way to lose money right now is to move investments into cash, writes financial adviser Janet Natta.

At present, the financial markets have fallen sharply in a very short space of time.  Financial markets hate uncertainty and we are living in very uncertain times.

Rubbish collections and other essential services will continue in the Waikato district but the council offices and sites are now closed to the public.

As of today, Tuesday, March 24, Covid-19 Alert Level 3 is in place, requiring public venues to close and for businesses and organisations to enforce alternative ways of working to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

From midnight tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25, Alert Level 4 will be in place which instructs people to stay at home.

We may be confined to our homes but we still need to buy necessities, the odd treat and probably a birthday present or two.

With the economy tanking it’s time to think strategically and buy New Zealand-made whenever we can. Even better Waikato-made.

The Tamahere Country Market stallholders who make our monthly market such a vibrant and happy outing are now just a click away here online.