Angel Tree
While recently attending our local church with my family, I noticed a table at the back of the auditorium. It had trees set up with a name card on each of the branches. Upon inquiry, I was told it was an Angel Tree, coordinated by Prison Fellowship New Zealand.
Through this programme, every prisoner in the country is given the opportunity to choose to give a Christmas gift to their child or children.
I asked my seven-year-old son to choose a child for our family to buy a present for. He chose a seven-year-old boy who stated on his card that he hoped for spiderman apparel. Our children all contributed money from their pocket money jars, and we purchased an appropriate $25 gift. We then brought it to church the following Sunday.
I would like to thank Prison Fellowship NZ for coordinating this programme, and all those who generously gave a gift. It means that an extra 4,000 Kiwi children will receive a Christmas present and card with a personal message from their parent this Christmas.
Research indicates that children who maintain a relationship between themselves and their parent have an improved emotional response to their incarceration.
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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85.5% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato?
New data has pinpointed Hamilton’s most dangerous intersections, including a high risk Cobham Drive turn off that a resident and driving experts believe should be shut for good.
While that turn into Grey St has resulted in the highest number of injuries, most crashes occurred at the bustling intersection of Te Rapa Straight and Wairere Drive.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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