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1730 days ago

Young family homeless and apart after fire engulfs their Canterbury home

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Solo mother of four Bonnie Montgomery lost everything when a fire destroyed her Eyrewell home just on Saturday evening.

They were left with just the clothes on their back, and had been forced to split up. The two youngest children were staying with their mum at a Kaiapoi motel, while the older two children were staying with friends.

Being cooped up in the motel with two toddlers was not ideal, and Montgomery was desperately searching for an affordable rental in the wider Kaiapoi area, where her children were educated.

Montgomery’s sister had set up a Givealittle page to help the family get back on their feet. They had no furnishings, clothing or basic essentials. Friends had also asked for donated items, leaving Montgomery in tears at people’s kindness.

Although losing priceless jewellery gifted by her grandmother, rosary beads from her nana and printed photos of her children when they were babies had been difficult to accept, Montgomery was just thankful her family was safe.

“It could have been worse,” she said.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 41.2% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    41.2% Complete
  • 57.2% No, I enjoy it
    57.2% Complete
  • 1.6% Other - I'll share below
    1.6% Complete
1468 votes
3 days ago

Don't overthink this riddle...

The Neighboury Riddler

I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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8 days ago

Poll: 🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Press, the debate over the Bromley odour continues. Recently, a Bypass Plan has been proposed as a potential solution - this involves pumping sewage into the sea. However, official technical, scientific, and environmental reports on this plan and how it may impact the Canterbury region aren't finished yet.

Before we get the final word from the consultants, we want to know what the community thinks about the allocation of rates and resources.

We want to know: Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing and upgrading the existing infrastructure?

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🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?
  • 8.1% Research the Bypass
    8.1% Complete
  • 84.9% Fix Existing Infrastructure
    84.9% Complete
  • 7% Undecided/Need more info
    7% Complete
86 votes