The fireworks extravaganza on Saturday night at Coronation Park in Waipawa was a roaring success. Around seven hundred locals and out-of-town visitors were wowed by a spectacular display of pyrotechnics that had the watchers gasping with delight. Two kiosks provided snacks and good coffee.

Love it? Yes, they all did and the show concluded with a spontaneous round of appreciative applause from all in attendance.

The event was to have been a fundraiser for the CHB Youth Trust but unfortunately the gate takings fell somewhat short of the $3000 cost of the display. The Trust gratefully acknowledges the generous support of East Coast Fireworks for making up the shortfall.

The CHB District Council's electronic waste clean-up day was successful beyond wildest expectations. Throughout the day a steady stream of locals arrived at the Railway Station collection point and disencumbered themselves of obsolete and inoperable computers, monitors and printers. When the collection closed at 3pm the organisers had a freight container full!

Collection assistants were in high spirits - an excellent opportunity to meet locals and to salvage a few iconic machines for private collections.

The council is to be commended for this action otherwise much of this waste might have found its way into landfills with the consequential effect of putting toxic chemicals and elements into our soil.

The earthquake that struck Hawke's Bay at 11.25pm on Tuesday 26th August is stated as being of magnitude 5.9 and lasted about 15 seconds. The quake was centred about 10km south of Hastings at a depth of about 30km state seismologists.
Reports show that though there was no injury to people, material damage could amount to around $5 million. The Earthquake Commission reports that in excess of a hundred claims have been received for damage to interior walls, chimneys, toilets and water cylinders.

Interestingly, one local said she was having an 'earthquake dream' when the real thing hit. Not sure which came first "the chicken or the egg"!!