Category Archives: Travel Safety

Continued Earthquakes in Christchurch

Posted on by By Vivienne DuBourdieu
South Island, NZ. Photo: Koru Travel self-drive motorbike tours

South Island, NZ. Photo: Koru Travel self-drive motorbike tours

New Zealand News

Well, there’s certainly news about the New Zealand earthquake, but it’s not coming from the New Zealand media.

At 7.30am, Stuff NZ headlined the following:

New South Wales is in the grip of a cocaine epidemic
Torrential rains kill 18 in Guatemala
Barrels of cash dug up in El Salvador

Nearly four hours later, the main concerns of Stuff NZ are:

Tony Blair pelted with eggs
Suicide car-bomber kills 5 in Russia
Gulf oil spill evidence brought to the surface

So fears of the ‘big one’ coming are not, apparently, of concern to the main internet news provider for New Zealand. Not even the storm approaching Christchurch is mentioned.

Australian News

In Australia, three out of nine ABC News’ most popular stories focus on the New Zealand earthquake.

One report says: ‘Rescue teams in Christchurch are searching for any residents they fear may be trapped as much of the city remains without power and water following yesterday’s devastating earthquake.

‘Two people were seriously injured in the 7.0 magnitude quake, while another died of a heart attack during the disaster.

‘The rescue teams, which include search dogs, are working in Christchurch’s worst-affected areas as the city remains under a state of emergency.’

The ABC may dispute the severity of the earthquake and the many subsequent tremors, but they are clear about the problems.

UK News

As I write, BBC Radio 3 quotes New Zealand prime minister, John Keys as warning of further potential destruction from a huge storm heading towards Christchurch.

On a distantly related note, the New Zealand Prime Minister and his wife have just been invited to stay for a weekend with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, more commonly known as ‘Buck House’. This is no doubt coincidence.

As the Corgis have probably never experienced an earth tremor other than those from the Queen’s horses galloping around them, it is to be hoped they listen to the Prime Minister’s report with all ears.

The Sunday Independent, UK, reports: ‘John Carter, the Civil Defence Minister, said there is “a lot of damage to key infrastructure”. Indications are that the damage could cost the country NZ$2bn (£930m).’

It affirms that ‘New Zealand’s last major earthquake, also in the South Island, registered a magnitude of 7.8 in July 2009, and moved its southern tip 12 inches closer to Australia.’

On that note, I’m glad New Zealand has moved just a little closer to Australia; it bodes well both for diplomatic relations and news reports.

The Ring of Fire

The New Zealand Earthquake Commission says that ‘the islands of New Zealand lie on a circular line of activity around the Pacific Ocean known as the Ring of Fire.

‘As a result, New Zealand is etched with fault lines, and experiences periodic volcanoes and earthquakes.’

It also advises that New Zealand has a comprehensive and compulsory natural disaster insurance scheme for private property.’

The Government insures New Zealand homes against natural disasters through its Earthquake Commission (EQC). This covers the cost of damage to dwellings from earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods and landsides.

Earthquake Aid for New Zealand

The maximum amount that can be claimed is NZ$100,000 (£47,000), which falls far short of the value of most New Zealand homes.

New Zealand Earthquake Appeal

The Salvation Army has announced a fund to raise money for the New Zealand earthquake. It has already fed thousands in Christchurch.

You can donate here:

Related story: strollingplayer.com

Celebrate National Motorcycle Week

Posted on by By Vivienne DuBourdieu
Channel 5 TV presenter, Suzi Perry, gives her backing to National Motorcycle Week,18 to 24 July.

Channel 5 TV presenter, Suzi Perry, gives her backing to National Motorcycle Week,18 to 24 July.

The annual National Motorcycle Week campaign aims to create awareness amongst the public, media and politicians about the benefits of motorcycling. It starts next week on 18 July.

People are being urged to ride to work on Wednesday 21 July, and to take a friend or colleague with them.

‘Ride to Work Day‘ will highlight that motorcycling cuts congestion, pollution, journey times, and is both convenient and flexible.

National Motorcycle Week emphasises the important point that owners are from all walks of life, and that riding a bike or scooter can make positive social, environmental and economic contributions to the world around us.

This year the slogan is ‘ Get On – Life is Better on Two-Wheels‘.

The aim is to encourage existing riders to become more active, and get the most out of their bikes, whilst encouraging new riders to give bikes a go by participating in a free, one-hour taster session with a local trainer.

As an added incentive during July, Get On are running a prize promotion which allows any biker who introduces a friend at a Get On dealer the chance to win a huge range of prizes, including biking holidays, Weise kit, Arai helmets and Pirelli tyres.

Non-bikers won’t miss out either as they will be entered into the draw for iPads, iPod nanos and digital cameras. The competition can be entered at one of 450 participating Get On dealers across the country. 

Suzi Perry, who was a presenter at this year’s BBC coverage of Royal Ascot, suggests people take the opportunity to get out and about and enjoy life on two wheels.

She says, “Bikes have been a huge part of my life and are such a fantastic way to get around. Not only do they help you get ahead of the traffic but they’re also more economical, greener and a huge amount of fun.

“For many people, the thought of getting into biking can be a bit intimidating and it can often be confusing about what licences and training you need to be able to ride a bike. ‘Get On’ strips all this away.

“Not only can anyone try riding for free without any commitment but the website also offers a one stop shop on all you need to know about getting into biking. What’s even better is that you can win great prizes just dropping into a dealer to talk about it.”

Anyone can get involved in National Motorcycle Week, and people who are interested in running their own events can think about planning a bikers BBQ, a local charity fundraiser, getting some extra training or going on a group ride –out to celebrate all that is positive about life on two-wheels.

More information and an event pack is online in the campaigns section of the industry website

Free rides can be booked here.