Behaviour and Responsibilities, Community notice, Our Community, The Community

eCAN Restrict Night Use of Bike Racks on Metro Buses from 2 November 8.45pm-5.45am Daily

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Environment Canterbury (eCAN) advise that as of Saturday 2 November, use of on-bus bike racks will be temporarily restricted during evening hours on Metro buses in Greater Christchurch, following a safety notice being issued from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). 

NZTA has determined that the way some bus models are fitted with bike racks can partially obscure headlights, particularly at night.

In response to this, while adequate testing and changes can be made to our Metro Buses to ensure compliance, bike racks on the front of Metro buses can only be used during daylight hours.

The exact timings of restrictions will vary from month to month to maximise the time available to customers that take their bikes on the bus.

The restriction will be in place from Saturday 2 November 2024.  For November, the restriction will be in place from 8.45pm to 5.45am.

Follow the links below to see what that means for you.  Customers that use bike-racks should check this information each month for updates.

Restriction times for the months up to and including in March 2025 can be viewed on the Metro website.

Our Community, The Community

Ilam Wastewater Update 23 October 2024 

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Clyde Road / University Drive footpath now re-opened 

 Downer Construction are making good progress on the Ilam Wastewater Project on both Clyde Road and Creyke. 

Clyde Road – The footpath around University Drive is now open.  Work to open access to University Drive for car traffic is still on-going, and we will let you know as soon as it is open. 

Work in this area includes routine pipe laying and manhole construction with a ‘collector’ pipe being laid above the large wastewater pipe. 

 Creyke Road – The Downer team are currently laying laterals pipes, the main wastewater pipe, and constructing and connecting new manholes as they work west down Creyke Road. 

 As always, thank you for your patience as Council Contractors complete these works. 

 Facilities Management

Health and Fitness, Health and Wellbeing, Wellbeing

Exam day prep – get ready to smash it

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Prepping for an exam is a lot like prepping for game day, finding that sweet spot of mental and physical state which will give you optimal performance.    So, here are our top tips to prepare on game day to help you do your best in your exams.

Mental Preparation
  1. Mindset 
    Stay positive and focus on your strengths.  Try not to let any negative thoughts creep in.
  2. Positive Affirmations (Self-Talk) 
    Athletes use this all the time!   Repeat a little positive statement to yourself to remind yourself that you are amazing and that you’ve got this!
  3. Visualisation 
    Imagine your success.  See yourself writing the exam, the words and numbers flowing onto the page or screen.  See yourself completing the exam and being super happy with your effort.  See yourself celebrating afterward.
  4. Relaxation 
    Practice techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or PMR to help calm nerves and anxiety.   Even a simple box breath practice will help you settle and focus.
Physical Preparation
  1. Nutrition
    Try to avoid heavy or greasy foods, which can affect your mood and make you feel sluggish.  Instead, opt for a balanced meal of protein, carb and healthy fats.

2. Hydration
Did you know your brain is approximately 75% water?  This means it’s crucial to stay hydrated so that it has all the water it needs to function optimally.  Dehydration causes fatigue & brain fog, all leading to impairment of concentration and performance.

3. Recovery 
It’s absolutely critical to get a good night’s sleep.  In terms of your brain’s performance (and ability to recall the facts you need and construct a legible sentence!) quality sleep will help you more than burning the midnight oil.  Aim for 7-8hrs of quality every night during the exam period, but especially the night before!

4. Warm-up 
Tension builds in your muscles from sitting, which can lead to stiffness and pain.  Try this short back stretch routine throughout your study sessions, and before or  during your exam if you start to feel stiff.

Bonus tip! 
Arrive early and take a 15min walk right before you head into the exam. That fresh arrival of oxygen to the brain will stimulate your thinking power!

Of course, come down to the RecCentre afterward for some exercise to shake things up, before settling back down in the books.   Taking care of yourself first is most important, as you’ll be in your best physical and mental state to take on those exams!

Good Luck!
Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec&Sport