3043 days ago

Foot It campaign is getting results nationwide - how about in our neighbourhood?

Jonathan Milne Reporter from Sunday Star Times

It's going to be a beautiful morning pretty much everywhere in the country - so let's get as many kids and their families as possible out of their cars and walking/riding/scooting for this morning's school run. Tell us about it: what are you going to do; how does it work for you? How does it differ from your memories of footing it to school as a kid?

An important plank of our Foot It campaign this year has been to encourage councils to lower speed limits outside schools. Families and schools have been enthusiastic about our initiatives to make it easier for kids to get out of the car. And when we wrote to all New Zealand's mayors in February, they offered resounding support: many wrote back promising to do their best to lower speeds, but cautioning that their hands were tied by NZ Transport Agency rules that (extraordinarily) stood in the way of lower speed limits.

Now, the Government has stepped up too: Associate transport minister Craig Foss has announced new Speed Management Guidelines that will make it simpler for councils to lower speeds on the roads that are busiest with cyclists and pedestrians. Read more from this weekend's Sunday Star-Times: www.stuff.co.nz...

We welcome this. So last week, we wrote to the mayors again (many of whom are new to the roles after the local body elections) challenging them to commit to putting lower speed limits outside schools on their council agendas in the first half of 2017. The Sunday Star-Times and Stuff will report their responses, whether they be good or gutless.

It's not just about the Government and councils, though: it's about taking responsibility as communities and individuals. So take the initiative: bylaw or no bylaw, if enough of us voluntarily slow down as we drive past schools in our towns and neighbourhoods, that will slow other traffic and make our streets safer for our kids.

TODAY'S WEATHER: We've attached the MetService rain map for this morning. In short, it's a great day to walk, ride or scoot to school with your kids, anywhere in the country. But this afternoon, a pile of rain is going to land, splash, in the middle of the North Island and Hawke's Bay. Don't say you weren't warned ....

THE FOOT IT PLEDGE: We're all busy - but many of us can find ONE day a week when we can scoot or walk with our kids to school. So make the pledge! 
Join one of our Neighbourly Foot It clubs - the Monday Club, Tuesday Club, Wednesday Club, Thursday Club or Friday Club – and you'll go into the draw to win one of 50 Micro scooters, valued at up to $179.95 each. www.neighbourly.co.nz...

THE SUNDAY STAR-TIMES SAYS:
* Families: Choose one day a week when you walk, scoot or ride with your kids to and from school.
* Schools: Set up walking buses, with parents and volunteers helping local kids get to class safely.
* Councils: Create and enforce lower speed zones outside every school.

TELL US YOUR STORIES: What's the most memorable experience you or your kids have had while commuting to school? Share your story at Stuff Nation and go into the draw for 20 more Micro scooters. www.stuff.co.nz...

BE SAFE: Tips for a safe school run. www.microscooters.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

The perfect Mother's Day gift is here!🌸

Mags4Gifts

Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!

Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
Mags4Gifts.co.nz.

This Mother's Day, save up to 35% on subscriptions – perfect for Mum, Grandma, a special mother figure, or even as a treat for yourself!

Don't miss out – shop now and make her day unforgettable!
Learn More

Image
1 day ago

Stoke and Richmond car thefts

The Team from Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Police

Nelson Police are aware of multiple reports of car thefts and break-ins over the past month in the Stoke and Richmond areas and are urging vehicle owners to be vigilant. Police are asking vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are locked, and if possible, securely parked overnight.

To prevent your vehicle from being a target:
- Ensure your vehicle is locked, if in doubt that you've locked it, it never hurts to double check
- Remove any valuables from your vehicle that may attract thieves
- Park in off-street parking, like you're driveway, or in a well-lit area
- Invest in a steering lock, wheel clamp, or other theft prevention devices
- Install cameras around your home and in your car

If you are a victim of this type of offending, contact Police as soon as you can. And if you have not yet spoken with us, please get in touch.

We would like to ask the community to look out for one another and to report any suspicious or unlawful behaviour.

Police do everything we can to identify and locate those responsible for committing offences in our community, but we cannot do it without you.

If you see any suspicious or unlawful behaviour, please contact 111 immediately with as much information as you can safely gather.

For non-emergencies, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Make a Report" or by calling 105.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

4 days ago

How to have an epic retirement

Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village

Retirement is a transformative stage of life, offering the freedom to embark on new adventures, explore fresh interests, and find fulfilment in ways that may have been put on hold during the busy years of work and family life. It’s a time to focus on what truly brings you joy.

With its beautiful landscapes, outdoor lifestyle, and relaxed culture, New Zealand is the perfect place to make the most of your retirement. And at Ryman Healthcare, you can enjoy top-quality independent living options and exceptional care within a vibrant, supportive community of like-minded people.

Click read more for the full story.

Image