South Taupo, Taupo

2852 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...

2852 days ago

Mail Boxes

Steve (krusty) from Nukuhau

Well it seems its that time of the year again when young IDIOTS are getting bored and have nothing better to do but go around in the early hours of the morning (3am) under the cover of darkness and destroy mail boxes, ours got hit this morning but they got disturbed by our dogs barking but they … View moreWell it seems its that time of the year again when young IDIOTS are getting bored and have nothing better to do but go around in the early hours of the morning (3am) under the cover of darkness and destroy mail boxes, ours got hit this morning but they got disturbed by our dogs barking but they did do enough damage to make me have to replace it for the 2nd time in 2 years. This happened 12 months ago on our wooden one, now its tin and they still ruined it.  This is just not good enough. I know the laws hands are full at the moment but surely someone must see who these thugs are or know them.
I'm not a happy camper  GRRRRR

2855 days ago

You're invited to the SuperValue Christmas party!

SuperValue Paetiki

Get into the Christmas feeling and catch up with your neighbours at the SuperValue Paetiki Christmas Party, Thursday 8th December, all day. There will be store specials, giveaways, delicious food tastings and demonstrations. Great fun for the whole family! We hope to see you here! Find out more

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2861 days ago

What to do in wet weather?

Robert Steven Reporter from Taupō Times

Alas, the weather forecast says we're due for some wet weather this weekend - just as some 15,000 visitors come to town.
Outside the house, what're your top picks for things to do in Taupo?
Starlight Cinema for movies? Take the kids rock climbing at the AC baths?
Share your best … View more
Alas, the weather forecast says we're due for some wet weather this weekend - just as some 15,000 visitors come to town.
Outside the house, what're your top picks for things to do in Taupo?
Starlight Cinema for movies? Take the kids rock climbing at the AC baths?
Share your best activities below :)

2856 days ago

Taupo Museum Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 40 year celebration exhi​bition

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

Here’s a peek into the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 40 year celebration exhibition on at Taupo Museum right now. There’s some great stuff on show dating back to the very first race 40 years ago! The exhibition runs until 12 December so go along for a nosey!

2857 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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2857 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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2857 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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2858 days ago

Give Local at SuperValue

SuperValue New Zealand

We love to give back to our local communities! Give Local is a campaign which offers kind-spirited customers, like you, to easily donate non-perishable food items and health products to local charities who find Christmas a tough time of year.

Show your support and tell your neighbours, friends … View more
We love to give back to our local communities! Give Local is a campaign which offers kind-spirited customers, like you, to easily donate non-perishable food items and health products to local charities who find Christmas a tough time of year.

Show your support and tell your neighbours, friends and family to look out for specially-marked Give Local trolleys in all SuperValue stores throughout New Zealand.

You have until New Years’ Day to drop-off your contributions. We look forward to seeing you in-store!
Learn more

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D
2859 days ago

Hi

Devlin from Taupo Central

Anyone have any pavers or wood planks/pallets they need to get rid of? Tia

2861 days ago

** Take 25% off your Travel Insurance Policy **

Leanna from Nukuhau

A neighbourly special for any bookings made with me before Christmas 2016 will receive 25% off your Comprehensive Travel Insurance. Contact me for a quote, this offer is also available to your friends and family! I can come to you to help with your travel plans, when it suits your schedule 🏡

2862 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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2862 days ago

Road closures in Taupo 25 and 26 November

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is nearly here! Please be aware that several roads will be closed at different times between midday tomorrow and Saturday evening. Check out this map for all the details.

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2868 days ago

Taupo SPCA would love you to volunteer

Robert Steven Reporter from Taupō Times

The local SPCA on Centennial Drive are keen for more people to lend a few hours volunteering.
Duties include exercising the dogs, feeding and cleaning out their living areas. Just call into the centre to learn more.
Any volunteers out there? What do you enjoy about the role?

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2863 days ago

Poll: Near or far: How do your kids get to school?

Reporter Sunday Star Times

With the launch of the Foot It campaign, we've all been talking about walking, cycling and scooting to school, and you've been coming up with some great ideas to support our kids.
But for some families it's not an option - especially if you live in a rural area, or your kids go to a… View more
With the launch of the Foot It campaign, we've all been talking about walking, cycling and scooting to school, and you've been coming up with some great ideas to support our kids.
But for some families it's not an option - especially if you live in a rural area, or your kids go to a school on the other side of town. So tell us the main mode of transport by which your children or grandchildren commute.
Plus: Don't forget to join up to a Foot It Club at www.neighbourly.co.nz..., and go into the draw to WIN one of 50 Micro scooters.

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Near or far: How do your kids get to school?
  • 40.5% They walk, ride or scoot to their nearest school.
    40.5% Complete
  • 7% They take a bus or other public transport to their nearest school.
    7% Complete
  • 20.5% They go by car to their nearest school.
    20.5% Complete
  • 2.8% The walk, ride or scoot to a school further away.
    2.8% Complete
  • 5.2% They take a bus or other public transport to a school further away.
    5.2% Complete
  • 22.4% They go by car to a school further away.
    22.4% Complete
  • 1.6% Other - please post a message to tell us about it.
    1.6% Complete
974 votes
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