Young father? Make a will! - to appoint a replacement guardian
If you have a child - even if they don't live with you - you should appoint a 'testamentary guardian' - someone who will replace you as one of your child's guardians, if you die. Usually people do that as part of their will.
Death - you don't want to think about it? Well, it happens! (Road toll, workplace accidents, whatever.)
If it happens to you, things will be much worse for your parents and your child's mother, if you haven't made a will and therefore you leave them with huge legal hassles at what will already be an awful time.
Write your own will if you want to. Or download an online one. Or go to a lawyer or the Public Trust. Whatever. Just do it!
(Guardians are responsible for the big decisions in a child's life. The mother is one guardian. Nowadays most fathers are automatically guardians by law. Even if they are not, they can still appoint a testamentary guardian.)
Kiwilaw's online $69 will includes appointing a testamentary guardian. You could use it to do a basic will now, download it, print it, sign in front of 2 independent adult witnesses. Appoint a parent or sibling or partner as executor, and a friend as backup executor. Leave everything to your partner or child/ren. Appoint a testamentary guardian. Keep it that simple.
Then revise it in a few days' time - no extra charge - if you want to go into more detail about your property, etc.
Please, just do it. Somehow, just do it. Today would be good. (Photo is from iStock.)
autom.io...
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.2% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.7% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.
Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.
So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)
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32.2% Yes!
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67.8% No thank you.
Musicians Wanted
‘Rangiora Bells’ is seeking musicians to join the handbell choir. We are a friendly group of handbell ringers who enjoy making music and entertaining at community groups.
If you would like to come and have a go at ringing handbells, please come along to one of our practice sessions. No commitment necessary if you decide that this is not for you.
An ability to read basic music notation preferred.
Practice days – Thursdays 1pm – 2.30pm
(beginning 19th February 2026)
In the lounge at Trinity Methodist Church
176 King Street
Rangiora
Clare Dolheguy
Phone 027 583 7504
claredoll6@gmail.com
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