![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_page_picture/profile/60868868507703.80116173.jpeg?170410)
Milder Omicron A Major Health Issue
Don't take the foot off the pedal just yet in NZ in the war against Covid 19.
Omicron is less severe than other variants including Delta but IT IS NOT MILD and its spread is far greater than any other variant thus far.
In the USA, Omicron death toll has surpassed the highest 7-days average of the more severe Delta variant, reaching so far over 2500 deaths in a single day.
From Russia to Brazil record Covid case numbers are being produced as the Omicron variant continues to spread world-wide just as it is in New Zealand.
On January 28 - just a week ago - Australia had nearly 100 deaths in their deadliest ever Covid day so far. That is almost twice as many as those who have died in over two years of Covid in NZ.
Of course the virus targets the unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated so kids under 5 are highly vulnerable and while Cuba has vaccinated 2-4 year olds, the USA and China among other countries are gearing up to make this happen.
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/organisation/5431e2f56f6da0.99048672.png?170410)
Poll: Have you ever had a scary flight?
A plane flying from Christchurch to Wellington on Sunday had smoke billowing out of the engine and upon landing, passengers had to open the emergency exit and jump out. Have you had any scary flying experiences?
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/66d4f83916b4e9.84433753.jpeg?170410)
-
58.5% Yes!
-
41.5% No, it's always been smooth flying
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/organisation/64a21f0f4f0f50.55185956.png?170410)
Here's the riddle challenge for today: No Googling allowed!
What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/66c690807ead64.04858040.png?170410)
![](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/user_profile_profile_picture/organisation/5431e2f56f6da0.99048672.png?170410)
Q&A: Financial well-being with Cat Rikihana
We're back this Wednesday at 9.30am with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.
Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'
She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)
↓ Share your questions in advance below and Cat will reply to your comment here on Wednesday ↓
![Image](https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/images/cache/message_max_size/message_images/66cfa2bf5e9430.63639192.png?170410)