Do you think dental care in New Zealand needs to be overhauled?
Christchurch Hospital’s dental service has been inundated with GP referrals and self-admissions for treatment, a situation the New Zealand Dental Association says is not sustainable.
The association has called on the Government to improve funding for community dental care to prevent services in hospitals from being clogged up.
It wants free dental care extended from age 18 to 25, an age group more financially disadvantaged than others. It also urged the Government to expand income thresholds for dental grants and enable Ministry of Social Development dental grants to be used for check-ups.
What do you think of the availability and cost of dental care in New Zealand? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
You can also read reporter Kristie Boland's full story on the issue here.
Riddle Time! Sharpen Your Mind and Take the Challenge!
Where is the only place where today comes before yesterday?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.3% Yes, it's fair
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9.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.