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 Me This: Can You Out-Smart Yesterday’s Champ?
How can the number four be half of five?
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: 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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84.3% Yes
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14.2% No
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1.5% 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.