Pandemic adds thousands to cost of girl's surgery in US
Hi neighbours. A North Shore family preparing to take their daughter for surgery in the United States are facing a raft of expensive, coronavirus-related hurdles.
Four-year-old Lydia Golding, from Hauraki, was born with proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), a condition which left her with an unformed hip and shortened femur. By maturity, the difference in height is expected to reach about 24cm.
Determined to make their daughter’s dream of walking on two feet come true, parents Hamish and Lauren Golding have remortgaged their home to help pay for bone-lengthening surgery in Florida, which will cost them $340,000 NZD.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has made an already daunting trip even more scary and expensive.
Click below to read more.
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.