Back to school help.
From the Phillipstown Community trust.
Back to school costs
The wonderful Deborah Lemon from Rehua Marae has compiled this comprehensive list of where families can access a bit of help with getting the kids back to school. Thanks, Deborah, for this great work. You can also check out Deborah's website, Navigate Your Way, for a great resource that helps navigate through government and social services.
The Salvation Army can support families with uniform grants, vouchers for stationery and assistance with devices. Contact your local centre to discuss your needs.
The City Mission's back to school programme can help with purchasing uniforms, shoes, stationery and other costs.
The JR McKenzie Youth Fund can provide help where death, sickness, family break up or economic hardship make it difficult for families to meet educational costs. The fund is administered by local Rotary Clubs.
Make It Happen helps Christchurch families with school-related costs including uniform, clothing, fees, school trips, sport, music and cultural activities.
Variety can organise a sponsor for children between 5 and 15. The charity connects donors with individual children. If you'd like to sponsor a child, you can follow the link to learn more. Kidscan also assist children during the year and always need sponsors.
Work and Income New Zealand can offer loans to qualifying applications to cover school costs. You don't have to be on a benefit, but income thresholds apply. If you are on a benefit, you can apply for an advance to help with school costs.
If you're caring for someone else's child and receiving unsupported child benefit or orphan's benefit, you can apply for the school start up payment.
If you live in Papanui, Papanui Rotary's Children In Need Trust can help with small grants, but remember it's only for Papanui residents.
Remember to talk to your school. They should be flexible about families taking a bit longer to purchase some uniform items. Some may offer hardship grants and donations from parents are voluntary by law. If you do pay the donation, you can claim a tax rebate for up to one third of the cost.
Different iwi have funding available for schooling - talk to the individual tribe for details including how to apply.
Contact my staff if you would like to discuss school costs. I am also happy to hear from parents if schools are penalising families for non payment - this should not happen.
From Duncan Webb
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
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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16.7% Yes - we like to be prepared
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66.7% Nah
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16.7% This is on my to-do list!
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
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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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
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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