1231 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
32 minutes ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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21 hours ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.1% Yes
    85.1% Complete
  • 13.4% No
    13.4% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
611 votes
9 hours ago

Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles 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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