Jackson Bay, Haast

2916 days ago

Foot It campaign is getting results nationwide - how about in our neighbourhood?

Jonathan Milne Reporter from Sunday Star Times

It's going to be a beautiful morning pretty much everywhere in the country - so let's get as many kids and their families as possible out of their cars and walking/riding/scooting for this morning's school run. Tell us about it: what are you going to do; how does it work for you? How… View moreIt's going to be a beautiful morning pretty much everywhere in the country - so let's get as many kids and their families as possible out of their cars and walking/riding/scooting for this morning's school run. Tell us about it: what are you going to do; how does it work for you? How does it differ from your memories of footing it to school as a kid?

An important plank of our Foot It campaign this year has been to encourage councils to lower speed limits outside schools. Families and schools have been enthusiastic about our initiatives to make it easier for kids to get out of the car. And when we wrote to all New Zealand's mayors in February, they offered resounding support: many wrote back promising to do their best to lower speeds, but cautioning that their hands were tied by NZ Transport Agency rules that (extraordinarily) stood in the way of lower speed limits.

Now, the Government has stepped up too: Associate transport minister Craig Foss has announced new Speed Management Guidelines that will make it simpler for councils to lower speeds on the roads that are busiest with cyclists and pedestrians. Read more from this weekend's Sunday Star-Times: www.stuff.co.nz...

We welcome this. So last week, we wrote to the mayors again (many of whom are new to the roles after the local body elections) challenging them to commit to putting lower speed limits outside schools on their council agendas in the first half of 2017. The Sunday Star-Times and Stuff will report their responses, whether they be good or gutless.

It's not just about the Government and councils, though: it's about taking responsibility as communities and individuals. So take the initiative: bylaw or no bylaw, if enough of us voluntarily slow down as we drive past schools in our towns and neighbourhoods, that will slow other traffic and make our streets safer for our kids.

TODAY'S WEATHER: We've attached the MetService rain map for this morning. In short, it's a great day to walk, ride or scoot to school with your kids, anywhere in the country. But this afternoon, a pile of rain is going to land, splash, in the middle of the North Island and Hawke's Bay. Don't say you weren't warned ....

THE FOOT IT PLEDGE: We're all busy - but many of us can find ONE day a week when we can scoot or walk with our kids to school. So make the pledge! 
Join one of our Neighbourly Foot It clubs - the Monday Club, Tuesday Club, Wednesday Club, Thursday Club or Friday Club – and you'll go into the draw to win one of 50 Micro scooters, valued at up to $179.95 each. www.neighbourly.co.nz...

THE SUNDAY STAR-TIMES SAYS:
* Families: Choose one day a week when you walk, scoot or ride with your kids to and from school.
* Schools: Set up walking buses, with parents and volunteers helping local kids get to class safely.
* Councils: Create and enforce lower speed zones outside every school.

TELL US YOUR STORIES: What's the most memorable experience you or your kids have had while commuting to school? Share your story at Stuff Nation and go into the draw for 20 more Micro scooters. www.stuff.co.nz...

BE SAFE: Tips for a safe school run. www.microscooters.co.nz...

2921 days ago

Proudly supporting junior football - plus giving away great prizes!

McDonald's

We’ve supported junior football in New Zealand for over a decade – helping thousands of kids, their coaches and parents kick-start dreams. We've also been recognising the people who make it happen; over 6000 coaches around the country who give up their time every season to support their … View moreWe’ve supported junior football in New Zealand for over a decade – helping thousands of kids, their coaches and parents kick-start dreams. We've also been recognising the people who make it happen; over 6000 coaches around the country who give up their time every season to support their communities. A special congratulations to our 2016 Junior Football Coaches of the Year! Recognise anyone in your community?

We want to get even more Kiwi kids outdoors this summer and practicing their football skills for next season. That’s why we’ve partnered with Neighbourly to give away 60 football and bottle prize packs! Find out how to win!
Enter now

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2922 days ago

Got an active Kiwi kid? Share a photo and WIN football prize packs.

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kiwi kids thrive on playing outdoors. Whether it's climbing trees, kicking a ball or building a hut, getting outside and exploring our backyards is part of who we are. So we've partnered with our friends at McDonald's to celebrate this New Zealand rite of passage. All you have to do … View moreKiwi kids thrive on playing outdoors. Whether it's climbing trees, kicking a ball or building a hut, getting outside and exploring our backyards is part of who we are. So we've partnered with our friends at McDonald's to celebrate this New Zealand rite of passage. All you have to do is share a photo below of the smallest members of your family outdoors with their football and you could win one of 60 football and bottle prize packs.

Please note: any photos shared below may star on Stuff.co.nz next week! Your football loving Kiwi kid could be famous!

Post your photo below to enter the draw.

T&Cs apply.

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2922 days ago

Basic supplies

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

Do you have your basic supplies ready if you are stuck at home or have to leave in a hurry? Make a plan today to work out what you need, who can help you and who might need your help.
www.happens.nz...

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2926 days ago

Make sure you're prepared...

EQC

No one knows when or where earthquakes will occur, but everyone can be prepared.

The simplest thing you can do to keep your family safe in a quake is to secure objects and furniture. This reduces the chance they will fall over causing injury or damage.

Click here to see how easy it is to … View more
No one knows when or where earthquakes will occur, but everyone can be prepared.

The simplest thing you can do to keep your family safe in a quake is to secure objects and furniture. This reduces the chance they will fall over causing injury or damage.

Click here to see how easy it is to make your home safer in an earthquake.
Learn more

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2928 days ago

Take part in our Christmas Letterbox competition!

Mike Pero Real Estate New Zealand - HQ

You decorate your tree for Christmas right? How about your...letterbox?
Announcing the Mike Pero Christmas Letterbox Competition - a partnership between us (Mike Pero Real Estate) - and our friends at Neighbourly. It's pretty simple; we're challenging you to head down your driveway and … View more
You decorate your tree for Christmas right? How about your...letterbox?
Announcing the Mike Pero Christmas Letterbox Competition - a partnership between us (Mike Pero Real Estate) - and our friends at Neighbourly. It's pretty simple; we're challenging you to head down your driveway and decorate your letterbox for the festive season! Share a photo on your Neighbourly noticeboard using the hashtag #christmasletterbox before 11 December and we'll put you in the draw to win great prizes - including Prezzy® cards!

Help Santa find his way by decorating your letterbox this Christmas! Find out more.
Learn more

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2929 days ago

Reaching out in Kaikoura

New Zealand Red Cross

Red Cross team members have been working in Kaikoura to link households with services and essential supplies. They're also on hand to provide wellbeing support for those who are struggling with the quake's impact or for people who have just been told they can't stay in their homes.
View more
Red Cross team members have been working in Kaikoura to link households with services and essential supplies. They're also on hand to provide wellbeing support for those who are struggling with the quake's impact or for people who have just been told they can't stay in their homes.

"There's so much food and stuff gone, but we're alive - that's the main thing," says Kaikoura resident Diane Edkins (pictured) who finds out whether her house is given the all-clear while a Red Cross volunteer is with her: www.redcross.org.nz...

Please donate to Red Cross' November 2016 Earthquake Appeal at www.redcross.org.nz... Thank you for your support.

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2931 days ago

We're all busy - so how can we get our kids out of the car on the school run?

Jonathan Milne Reporter from Sunday Star Times

Since the 1980s, the proportion of children being dropped off in a car has doubled to nearly 55 per cent. With it has come worsened air pollution, greater congestion, and increased danger as more kids are involved in road accidents. Worse, it has undermined our community cohesion: Schools can and … View moreSince the 1980s, the proportion of children being dropped off in a car has doubled to nearly 55 per cent. With it has come worsened air pollution, greater congestion, and increased danger as more kids are involved in road accidents. Worse, it has undermined our community cohesion: Schools can and should be the hearts of our communities
.

We're backing schools to set up walking buses and other solutions, with parents and volunteers helping local kids get to class safely.
We wrote to the nation's mayors pleading with them to lower speed limits outside schools, and many have come back to us with expressions of support. We talked to well-known New Zealanders with school-aged kids, and they united behind the campaign.

You can get involved too. We know people are busy, so the Sunday Star-Times and Neighbourly are encouraging families to choose one day a week when they and their kids walk, scoot, cycle - even ride a horse if that's what works for you!

I've chosen Mondays as the days I'll cycle to school with my 6-year-old son. And Neighbourly has set up a special pledge page, where you can choose a day when you will try to Foot It with your kids, talk with others doing the same - and go into the draw to win one of 50 Micro scooters. www.neighbourly.co.nz...

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2932 days ago

Do you have earthquake damage?

EQC

Has your home been damaged by the recent earthquakes? Click here to make a claim with EQC. Make a claim

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2937 days ago

Check out The Range 2018 - and get a free testpot!

Resene

Get inspired with the new The Range 2018 fashion fandeck from Resene, full of the latest on trend paint colours, popular neutrals and complementary colour ideas. To help you get started, get a FREE Resene testpot. Simply bring in a copy of this post to your local Resene owned ColorShop (print it … View moreGet inspired with the new The Range 2018 fashion fandeck from Resene, full of the latest on trend paint colours, popular neutrals and complementary colour ideas. To help you get started, get a FREE Resene testpot. Simply bring in a copy of this post to your local Resene owned ColorShop (print it off or show it on your phone!) and we’ll give you your choice of The Range 2018 testpot colour 60ml FREE! Offer valid until 30 November 2016. Visit Resene

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2942 days ago

Are you a house cleaner instant winner?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Five Neighbourly members have won a cleaner house! Check out if you've scored a $100 Goodnest voucher here. Spotted a neighbour on the list? Let them know! Check now!

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2943 days ago

The VLBA finalists are in! And we need your help!

Vodafone New Zealand

With over 750 local businesses nominated around the country, we are proud to announce our five finalists in the Vodafone Local Business Awards. Now we need your help to decide who our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are.

Read more about our five finalists then cast your vote by … View more
With over 750 local businesses nominated around the country, we are proud to announce our five finalists in the Vodafone Local Business Awards. Now we need your help to decide who our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are.

Read more about our five finalists then cast your vote by heading to our poll and selecting the business you would like to see scoop the title of New Zealand's favourite local business. You could help them win great prizes!
Vote now

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2943 days ago

Give for Justice: SPCA Annual Appeal

SPCA Auckland

The SPCA is the only charity in New Zealand with the legal authority to seize abused or neglected animals and prosecute offenders. This is only possible because compassionate animal lovers throughout the community support their fight for justice.

SPCA Auckland is calling on you to help for their… View more
The SPCA is the only charity in New Zealand with the legal authority to seize abused or neglected animals and prosecute offenders. This is only possible because compassionate animal lovers throughout the community support their fight for justice.

SPCA Auckland is calling on you to help for their Annual Appeal from 11th to 13th November. Collectors will take to the streets throughout Auckland, volunteering their time to make a difference for animals in need. Will you please donate to rescue, rehabilitate and seek justice for these innocent creatures? You can donate today at spcaannualappeal.org.nz.
Donate now

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2944 days ago

Win $1000 cash

SBS Bank

To celebrate the launch of our latest TV advert we’re giving you the chance to win $1000 cash. Head over to our Facebook page to enter. Terms & conditions apply. Learn more

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2946 days ago

Today is World Tsunami Day

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

All of NZ’s coastline is at risk from tsunami. Take some time this weekend to make a plan with your family. If your street was evacuated where would you go? What would you take? What about pets? Do you have neighbours who might need your help?
In a local source tsunami we may only have a few … View more
All of NZ’s coastline is at risk from tsunami. Take some time this weekend to make a plan with your family. If your street was evacuated where would you go? What would you take? What about pets? Do you have neighbours who might need your help?
In a local source tsunami we may only have a few minutes warning. Early warning saves lives. Know what to do and where to go. www.happens.nz...

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