Tairāwhiti news digest: Log mover rolls in port, Gisborne Lotto win, new Wairoa podiatry clinic

A log mover tipped at Eastland Port in Gisborne on Saturday. The driver got out of the vehicle before emergency services arrived and reportedly did not suffer any serious injuries.

A loaded port truck used for moving logs tipped over in the Eastland Port log yard on Saturday night, spilling its load near the dry dock.

The incident happened about 8pm.

“The driver was out of the vehicle when the emergency services arrived at the scene, without any significant injuries,” a senior firefighter said.

“The spilled logs possibly caused some damage to boats parked up in the dry dock.”

The fire crew which attended cordoned off the area.

Gisborne Lotto player wins $18k

A Lotto player in Gisborne was one of 13 lucky people across the country to win $18,796 with Lotto’s Second Division draw on Saturday.

The winning player purchased the ticket through the MyLotto app.

Anyone in Gisborne who bought their ticket through MyLotto is advised to check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

One player in Auckland also won the Powerball Second Division prize, taking their total winnings to $33,916.

New podiatry clinic up and running in Wairoa

A new monthly podiatry clinic launched in Wairoa on Saturday, giving residents access to an important health service closer to home.

Recently appointed Health Minister Simeon Brown confirmed the opening in a Beehive release over the weekend.

“Health New Zealand has been successful in securing a podiatrist until the end of June this year to meet the needs of the Wairoa community. The podiatrist has a special interest in diabetes and will travel to Wairoa with a nurse, for monthly clinics which will be held at Queen St Practice,” Brown said.

“Primary and community healthcare, like this podiatry clinic, play a key role in preventing illness, treating disease early and reducing the impact of long-term conditions. Keeping people well improves their quality of life and reduces the pressure on our hospitals.“

He said he was aware the Wairoa community was working closely with Government agencies to address access to other healthcare resources such as aged care services.

The six-month initiative, funded by Health NZ, will be reviewed in June.

“For the estimated 400-600 people in the area with diabetes, as well as those with other issues, having this service on their doorstep will be a great addition to improving the range of timely, quality healthcare that can be delivered locally,” Brown said.

“Investments like this are important to ensure all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare and [are] made possible by the Government’s record investment of $16.8 billion in health in Budget 2024.”