People who have just had a heart attack in Ngaio Village are now a lot safer,  thanks to a defibrillator kindly donated to the Medical Centre by Wellington North Rotary.

A defibrillator greatly increases the chances of survival if used within the first few minutes of a heart attack - and is much more effective than CPR alone. It is easy and fast to operate and can be used while waiting for the ambulance to come.

Wellington North Rotary Club President Jeremy presents a defibrillator to Ngaio Medical Centre. President Jeremy and Dr Joelon Hayes are holding the defibrillator. Jeremy is standing between Richard Allan of Ngaio Pharmacy and Dr Denis Delaney.

The defibrillator will be housed and maintained by the Ngaio Medical Centre.

Doctors at the medical centre have sent notices to local businesses asking if their staff would like training on how to use the defibrillator. St. John’s Ambulance trainers will conduct these free sessions.

For further information and/or donations please contact:

Ngaio Medical Centre, telephone: 939 9393

dd@ngaiomed.co.nz

Ngaio Progressive Association members planned to weed the the area behind the Playcentre on Silverstream Road  on 6 June from 10:00 am.  However, the event was cancelled.

We will plant shrubs there during July or August.

Nairnville Park’s new $900,000 artificial sports surface opened on 4 April.  It will mainly be used for rugby and football, though it can be used for other sports.

“The new turf will put an end to years of poor drainage and muddy conditions,” said Wellington City Councillor John Morrison.  ” People were understandably frustrated at the impact last winter’s weather had on outdoor sports but now we can use this pitch 365 days a year which provides certainty for sports codes.”

Read more: Wellington City Council news, 31 March 2009

There are over 8,000 registered dogs in Wellington, according to the Wellington City Council.  And they need places to run around off the leash.

The Council is reviewing its  Dog Control Policy.  A draft paper of suggested  changes will go out for public consultation in June.

One proposal is for five new dog exercise areas - including Chelmsford Reserve in Ngaio. Another is for dog owners  to have to carry a dog poo receptacle when they are walking their dogs.

Read more: Wellington City Council news, 1 May 2009