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
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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...
Poll: Are you expecting lots of development and new businesses around the theatre?
The owner of Raglan Roast has secured another property on Hamilton’s “golden mile” to potentially expand the brand into what’s turning into a focal point of CBD.
At an auction day at Bayleys this week, the Victoria St title appeared among a list of farms, commercial properties and lifestyle blocks in front of a competitive crowd of about 60 would-be buyers.
Are you expecting lots of development and new businesses around the theatre? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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0% Yes
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0% Not sure
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0% No
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.8% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Discovery of remains could answer one question but leave more
It’s been more than 900 days since Alvina Smith last saw her partner Shane Edwards - standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes.
Now, if human remains found near a Tokoroa creek turn out to be his, it’ll resolve at least one of her many questions.