2324 days ago

Should schools stop asking parents for donations?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Hi neighbours - it was introduced to reduce the "significant financial pressure" on Kiwi families, but so far only about one in four eligible schools have signed up to the Government scheme to replace voluntary donations.

Under the draft Education Amendment Bill, decile 1-7 state and state-integrated schools can opt to receive a payment of $150 per student, per year if they agree not to ask parents or caregivers for donations.

But as of last week, with just over a month to go until boards of trustees need to register, only 471 out of 1749 schools had told the Ministry of Education that they intend to sign up to the initiative.

In Canterbury, Shirley Boys' High School has rejected the discretionary grants, with headmaster John Laurenson saying its co-curriculum programme "would have to cease" if it took up the Government's offer.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60% Complete
  • 25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.7% Complete
  • 14.3% ... It is complicated
    14.3% Complete
1021 votes
15 hours ago

Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.

With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?

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Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
  • 44.4% Yes - we like to be prepared
    44.4% Complete
  • 38.9% Nah
    38.9% Complete
  • 16.7% This is on my to-do list!
    16.7% Complete
18 votes
6 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

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!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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