1044 days ago

Early childhood teacher force-fed toddlers, made racist remarks

Melanie Earley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Kia ora neighbours, an early childhood centre manager has had her teacher’s registration cancelled for force-feeding toddlers, making racist remarks and rough handling children in her care.

Sonya Kay Costello, who was a registered teacher in Whangārei, faced charges of serious misconduct at the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal for incidents that spanned several years.

There were 11 specific incidents the tribunal heard which fell into the categories of inappropriate use of force, inappropriate comments and force-feeding incidents.

Read the full story at the link below.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

Image
2 hours ago

Step by step for a great cause!

Jane Mander Retirement Village

Our amazing Hillary Hikers from Edmund Hillary Village showed their support for Bowel Cancer New Zealand's Move Your Butt campaign this month!

Sporting the bright purple and orange campaign shirts, these wonderful walkers hit the Auckland waterfront and marched from Mission Bay to Kohimarama, raising awareness for bowel cancer and the importance of early detection along the way.

Click read more to read the full story.

Image
18 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image