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1914 days ago

Free school lunches - A fantastic or flawed idea?

Reporter Waikato Times

Hi neighbours - thousands of school kids will get a free lunch at school, Jacinda Ardern has announced.

Ardern says "children themselves told us during the consultation on the strategy that going to school hungry was a barrier to their learning."

Education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye says the Government hasn't considered that most schools don't have infrastructure for large scale food preparation and storage. She says "this would cost hundreds of millions and take away the autonomy of parents to provide lunch for their children".

What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a fantastic or flawed idea? Would you prefer that schools prepared your child's lunch?

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More messages from your neighbours
20 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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4 days ago

Poll: Do you think this was the right decision?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Hamilton City Council is defending a $60,000 spend on a flood of water management PR featuring a TV personality as residents face huge rates rises.

At a time of council cash constraints, Te Radar - real name Andrew Lumsden - catches the eye on the council’s Facebook page, where he currently features in three “explainer” video clips about Hamilton’s water services.

Do you think this was the right decision? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think this was the right decision?
  • 7.9% Yes
    7.9% Complete
  • 81.6% No
    81.6% Complete
  • 10.5% Not sure
    10.5% Complete
38 votes
6 days ago

Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.

One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.

Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?

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