Former refugee family placed in damp Dunedin home feels abandoned
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.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
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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77.1% Yes
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21.3% 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.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
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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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below