1933 days ago

Take A Step Today For World Refugee Day 👟💛

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Around the world, communities, schools, businesses, groups and people from all walks of life are taking big and small steps in solidarity with refugees. This World Refugee Day, we challenge everyone in New Zealand to join together and take a step to make a difference.

You can take part in the #StepWithRefugees campaign, where participants will collectively walk, run and cycle 1 billion miles - the distance refugees cover each year to reach safety, by adding your steps here: stepwithrefugees.org...

Another option is to volunteer with the New Zealand Red Cross as a Refugee Support Volunteer. Volunteers help families start again, while teaching them about New Zealand culture and connecting them with people from the community.

For anyone based in the Wairarapa, Masterton Neighbourhood Support has a programme called 'WeConnect' that matches new residents from diverse backgrounds including refugees to a local buddy. If you're interested in volunteering or supporting the programme in other ways you can email Masterton Neighbourhood Support Area Coordinator, Cathy Cameron, at: cathy@connectingcommunities.org.nz

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More messages from your neighbours
3 hours ago

Poll: Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

I'm sure you've seen it while doing your weekly shop... In fact, it may have even been you.

What do you think about people heading to the supermarket in their pyjamas?

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Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?
  • 13.7% It's fine!
    13.7% Complete
  • 77% It's questionable
    77% Complete
  • 9.3% Other - I'll share below
    9.3% Complete
291 votes
1 day ago

Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.

Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.

The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.

‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.

‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.

‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’

The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.

The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.

It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.

But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.

A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.

Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.

‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.

It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.

Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.

‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.

Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.

â–  LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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