988 days ago

Early childhood teacher force-fed toddlers, made racist remarks

Melanie Earley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Kia ora neighbours, an early childhood centre manager has had her teacher’s registration cancelled for force-feeding toddlers, making racist remarks and rough handling children in her care.

Sonya Kay Costello, who was a registered teacher in Whangārei, faced charges of serious misconduct at the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal for incidents that spanned several years.

There were 11 specific incidents the tribunal heard which fell into the categories of inappropriate use of force, inappropriate comments and force-feeding incidents.

Read the full story at the link below.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.5% Complete
  • 19.7% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.7% Complete
  • 69.7% Nah - not for me
    69.7% Complete
770 votes
15 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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.

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17 hours ago

🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

🧩 Got a riddle that can stump your Neighbourly community? Share your brain teasers with us and watch your neighbours scratch their heads 😕🤔❓

Send us your tricky puzzles!

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