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2070 days ago

Former refugee family placed in damp Dunedin home feels abandoned

Nicole Reporter from Dunedin News

A former refugee family struggling in a cold, damp Dunedin home say they feel abandoned by the government agencies tasked with looking after them.

Ahmad Al Ghanem, his pregnant wife Hamda Al Salem and their five young children arrived in Dunedin from the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre eight months ago.

The side shelves of their refrigerator are now lined with medication to help the family fight respiratory illness, which they say is caused by their cold, damp rental.

Their stories came to light after community-led development agency The Valley Project talked to terrified local Muslim families in the aftermath of the March 15 terrorist attack in Christchurch.

More messages from your neighbours
10 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 77.4% Yes
    77.4% Complete
  • 22% No
    22% Complete
  • 0.6% Other - I'll share below
    0.6% Complete
468 votes
17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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8 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.1% Yes
    82.1% Complete
  • 15.2% No
    15.2% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
2486 votes