Smiles for Christmas
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
I know it’s still early November, but there is already a festive feeling in the air as we countdown to December 25 - and a well-earned holiday break for all.
Shops are selling Christmas stock, I can hear the odd carol even playing as I peruse the shelves, and the Christmas tree at the Franklin County News office is up in all its festive glory.
We’ve got the tree up nice and early this year to welcome gifts and donations to our annual Smiles for Christmas appeal, where we hope to spread a little joy to clients of Franklin Family Support Services.
Each year, this appeal is greatly supported by readers and we are hoping our wonderful communities continue to show their generosity in 2017.
Julie Kaio - News director
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
-
41.5% Yes
-
33.6% Maybe?
-
24.9% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Loading…
