Demand for Christchurch's Cholmondeley Children's Centre up 150 per cent in nine years
Solo dad Raymond was shaking when he first took his two children to stay at Cholmondeley Children's Centre in Christchurch.
But with no family support, he needed help.
It has been more than two years and his two children – Renee, 9, and Dray, 8 – stay at the respite centre for five nights every six weeks.
More than 500 children stay at the largely community-funded Governors Bay centre each year, an unprecedented increase from less than 200 in 2011, which chief executive said could be indicative of the "increasing gap between the rich and the poor".
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.6% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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68.9% Nah - not for me
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.2% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
Response to regifting presents
My mind tends to wander:
I do not see any problem with regifting it back to the person who gave it, they obviously liked it. In fact, that might work out well as you buy the present you want, then gift it to someone you know who will gift it back.
Perfect, no decision needs to be made about Xmas presents
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