Should schools stop asking parents for donations?
Hi neighbours - it was introduced to reduce the "significant financial pressure" on Kiwi families, but so far only about one in four eligible schools have signed up to the Government scheme to replace voluntary donations.
Under the draft Education Amendment Bill, decile 1-7 state and state-integrated schools can opt to receive a payment of $150 per student, per year if they agree not to ask parents or caregivers for donations.
But as of last week, with just over a month to go until boards of trustees need to register, only 471 out of 1749 schools had told the Ministry of Education that they intend to sign up to the initiative.
In Canterbury, Shirley Boys' High School has rejected the discretionary grants, with headmaster John Laurenson saying its co-curriculum programme "would have to cease" if it took up the Government's offer.
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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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
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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.