854 days ago

Dance-loving toddler will lose ability to move without unfunded drug

Melanie Earley Reporter from Nor-west News

Kia ora neighbours, a Parakai toddler who loves to dance may soon be unable to walk or stand if medicine for her rare condition stays unfunded.

Two-year-old Zoey Butcher was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 3 (SMA) in March and her mum, Chauntel Wedlake, said the treatments available were unfunded in Aotearoa and cost more than $400,000 a year.

Without the treatment, Wedlake said, Zoey would be “devastated” as she would no longer be able to dance.

Read the full story at the link below.

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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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1 day ago

It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS

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?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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10 hours ago

Giant toybox, 18-metre tree and festive joy from 'square to square' sprinkle the magic

The Team from Auckland Council

Ready to feel the magic in the heart of the city? ✨ With 22 days of celebrations, the city centre is buzzing with holiday cheer!

🎁 A giant toybox lighting up Aotea Square
🎄 An 18-metre Christmas tree dazzling at Te Komititanga
🎶 Live music, markets, and so much more!