138 days ago

Poll: Are the guidelines around when a child is too sick for school clear?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A few weeks ago, the Neighbourly team shared a round of complaints over our morning cuppa about the challenges of juggling runny noses and work commitments.

After reading Flip Grater's opinion piece, Playing germ roulette with our kids’ health, we felt a collective sense of relief - another parent shares our niggling worries.

We wanted to check in with our online neighbours: do you feel the same way? We are all busy, and keeping children home from school is sometimes impossible given other responsibilities. Busy lives and the apparent loss of collective energy around monitoring cold symptoms have led to more students and staff in shared spaces with sniffles and coughs.
But what do you think? Is this a concern?

We want to know: Are there clear Guidelines on when to keep kids off of school?
Should we be having a nuanced conversation about risk management, and how to better support working families?
Share your opinion with us below!

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Are the guidelines around when a child is too sick for school clear?
  • 55.8% Yes - The messaging about when to keep kids home is consistent.
    55.8% Complete
  • 35.4% No - I want guidance. An illness response flowchart for my fridge would be handy
    35.4% Complete
  • 8.8% It is more complicated - share your thoughts below.
    8.8% Complete
387 votes
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    73% Complete
  • 17.5% Hmm, maybe?
    17.5% Complete
  • 9.5% Yes!
    9.5% Complete
263 votes
2 hours ago

Have you seen Rowena?

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.

She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.

Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.

If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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12 days ago

We want to know: Have you thought about cutting your insurance cover to save costs?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Senior business reporter Rob Stock tackles a big question many of us have wondered about: “What are the pros and cons of cutting back on insurance?”

So we’re curious… What are your thoughts on trimming your insurance cover? Have you ever considered it?

Want to dive deeper? Rob Stock has the full breakdown.

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