We're all busy - so how can we get our kids out of the car on the school run?
Since the 1980s, the proportion of children being dropped off in a car has doubled to nearly 55 per cent. With it has come worsened air pollution, greater congestion, and increased danger as more kids are involved in road accidents. Worse, it has undermined our community cohesion: Schools can and should be the hearts of our communities
.
We're backing schools to set up walking buses and other solutions, with parents and volunteers helping local kids get to class safely.
We wrote to the nation's mayors pleading with them to lower speed limits outside schools, and many have come back to us with expressions of support. We talked to well-known New Zealanders with school-aged kids, and they united behind the campaign.
You can get involved too. We know people are busy, so the Sunday Star-Times and Neighbourly are encouraging families to choose one day a week when they and their kids walk, scoot, cycle - even ride a horse if that's what works for you!
I've chosen Mondays as the days I'll cycle to school with my 6-year-old son. And Neighbourly has set up a special pledge page, where you can choose a day when you will try to Foot It with your kids, talk with others doing the same - and go into the draw to win one of 50 Micro scooters. www.neighbourly.co.nz...
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Loading…
