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...
Last call for entries to our Resene Shed of the Year 2025!
Take a look at Paul Bates' "surprisingly roomy" Tardis-inspired shed which took out our 2023 title, and if you reckon your shed is right up there, well, you could be in the running to win a robot lawnmower, Resene vouchers and a subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to 5 high-quality photos to Resene Shed of the Year 2025, NZ Gardener PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142. Or email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2025.
Poll: Do you have a pet at home?
Neighbourly members LOVE their pets, whether it's a smoochy cat, a trusty pup or even a feathered friend.
We'd like to know how many of you who see this post actually have a pet at home. Let us know in the poll below!
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73.7% Yes - I have a pet / multiple pets
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7.7% Not currently, but one day!
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18.6% Nope, I live in a pet-free home
Bev and John’s summer motorhome adventures
Bev and John are no strangers to adventure. Whether it’s overseas escapades to the Great Wall of China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, or exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, this intrepid couple has seen their fair share of the world. But these days, they prefer to keep their travel plans closer to home - with their beloved Cavoodle, Skye, always in tow.
“We’ve done all the overseas trips we wanted to do,” says Bev. “Now, it’s all about enjoying what’s on our doorstep.”
Click read more for the full story.
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