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

Local chemist Alan Fraser has now retired after 49 years at the pharmacy.  Ngaio Progressive Association joined him for a farewell morning tea at  at Cafe Villa.

Alan has always supported community meetings and proposals which have helped to make Ngaio the thriving community that it is.

He has also taken a personal interest in the maintenance of the village shops, and created the car park to help shoppers.

Retiring Ngaio chemist Alan Fraser's farewell morning tea at Cafe Villa.

Despite the rain, thousands of people grabbed their raincoats on 4 February and walked along  the railway line between Crofton Downs and Wadestown.

On Track organised the walk for the general public before reopening the Johnsonville line. The major work on the line is finished.  The tunnels are lower, the platforms longer and the embankments stronger.

Read more about the walk on Greater Wellington’s website.

Photographs by Hilary Troup:

Working on the line

Walking in the rain

Walking the line

In the tunnel

Rainbow coloured dolphins on the railway underpass near the Ngaio town hall are a surprise for passers by. The mural is part of an OnTrack, Keep New Zealand Beautiful and Resene anti-tagging project.

Alan and Gill Curtiss put the finishing touches to the dolphins on Collingwood Street underpass.

Ngaio School held a very successful centenary in 2008. The weather was cold but fine. Lots of friendships were re-kindled and there was much laughter. The centenary book which is full of stories and recollections, and wonderful photos of “old Ngaio” is available from the Ngaio School Office (or email info@ngaio.school.nz) for $20. The NPA will be giving a seat to the school to mark the occasion.