Well, we got some rain for the garden, which was nice, so hopefully things will start to green up around the hills instead of the brown we have had to look at lately.

Now onto what your blue team have been up to this past week.

With just under eight weeks until Christmas I’m sure that the regular stresses will start to rear their heads.

We have had a couple of family harm incidents which required assistance form outside agencies. If you’re feeling the pressure, you can call for help, it’s there. Remember that this also applies for mental health issues and stresses, you don’t have to do it tough, help is available.

Now here’s a good one for parents and caregivers, Do you know where your kids are at night? We have had a couple of calls regarding youths out at night well after midnight. These range in ages from around 12 to 15 years. Some were chased from the Hāwea Flat School, while others were found roaming the streets around town and taken home.

I’m sure even the Romans had difficulty in knowing where their kids were at night, but we don’t want anyone to end up in a situation over their heads by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time which often happens after midnight.

Now Wānaka this is starting to be impressive; no drink drivers were apprehended around town again this week. Hopefully the message is starting to get through, but we won’t be taking our foot off the throttle on this. Keep it up as I would love to report the same again next week. Challenge thrown down, can you do it Wānaka?

There is however other types of road behaviour starting to slip. The ability to stop at a stop sign seems to be beyond some drivers grasp. These are the red signs with STOP in them and yellow lines on the road.

Now the educational part, you will know when you have successfully stopped as all four of your wheels will have stopped turning, motorcycles its both wheels and unicycles you will probably fall off. To many this may seem a trivial point, but it only takes a second for an accident at these intersections to happen and the ramifications can be severe, so please just take the time and stop.

Speed is also creeping up around the area along with driving while using your cell phone. We all know life is hectic and people are time poor but just think what happens when speeding or on the phone while taking the kids to sports or swimming lessons and another vehicle pulls out in front of you. When going down the road in a one-ton steel container you need your mind to be concentrated on what you’re doing now, not for tea or later in the day or night, or you might not get to enjoy that time.

And with the festive season creeping upon us very quickly, if you are attending a Christmas function or arranging one for family, friends or work remember it's not all about the booze. Have alternative soft drinks and food available and don’t forget the transport arrangements for the end of the night.

Police are working over Christmas New Year and don’t want to find too many people upside down in hedges trying to sleep off a big night. As funny as it may be, it’s always a bit awkward taking them home as usually items of clothing have also gone astray during the process.

So, until next time Wānaka, have a great week, keep it safe and take care of yourselves.