Auckland Airport Runway Shortened

Auckland Airport's runway is currently shortened by one kilometer. However, the airport is still able to function.

The airport started working on preparing panels in the touchdown area which had become damaged. An 80-strong construction team is working to shorten the runway.

The repair work on the runway replacing 280 slabs of concrete. It was planned for later this year, but the drop in the air traffic due to Corona virus has allowed the airport to begin the work earlier.

Water Restrictions For Auckland

Water restrictions have begun for those that are living in Auckland. New Zealand's largest city is currently experiencing one of their worst droughts.

One dam, in the Waitakere Ranges, is only 27% full. The boat ramp, usually used to access the lake, doesn't get close to the water surface. It hasn't been this empty since 1994.

Auckland has had just 35% of its normal rainfall this year which is the reason for the low levels.

The new by-laws in Auckland means sprinklers, water blasters and car washes are all banned. All outdoor hoses are banned. 

Back To School

Today we start back at school. After a long time in quarantine. There wasn't much people at school today, but the rules at school have changed. We have to wait outside the gate and our teacher will get us from there, also before entering our class we have to sanitize our hands.

When I came into class today all our desks were separated, and it just didn't feel the same as before. After we got comfortable with our class it was morning tea. We couldn't play basketball! (playing basketball is a big thing at my school) we had to just walk around, play with a tennis ball or sit under a tree.  

For me this is going to take a long time to get use to. I hope we can get back to the normal way like before, but until then keep washing your hands and keep safe.

School Is Back - New Zealand Moves To Level 2

Prime Minister Jacinda Adern has announced New Zealand will be moving to Level 2 on Thursday. Business will be opening on Thursday and school will be starting back up on Monday 18th May.

The limit for social gatherings will be limited to groups of 10 for the next two weeks. The new limit would be applied to parties at home, church meetings, weddings, funerals and group bookings at restaurants and bars.

People attending the movie theatre would have to be spaced out. Our Prime Minister Jacinda Adern said, we might have won the battle, but we have not won the war.

I am excited to go back to school to see my friends. Just a reminder to keep washing your hands for 20-30 seconds and stay safe.

List Of Prime Minister's Gifts Made Public

New Zealand Parliament has unveiled a list of gifts given to the Prime Minister in the last year. The list includes tickets to sports events, music concerts, and event's for helicopter rides.

This years list shows that Prime Minister Jacinda Adern received a range of gifts, including tickets to Elton John's concert, and U2 - with those tickets gifted by lead singer Bono.

Other gifts included products from Loreal, a lifetime subscription to TIME magazine, and tickets to Warriors and All Blacks matches.

I think Prime Minister Jacinda Adern deserves these gifts for trying her best to keep our country the best, and for being the best Prime Minister she can be. What do you think?