Just when it feels like the school term is back in full swing, the holidays arrive again—and entertaining the kids (without blowing the budget) can be a challenge. But a smart collective of Kiwi parents have found a better way to save money and still have fun, thanks to Manchester Unity.
This New Zealand organisation has been helping families for over 100 years. It’s not a profit-making company, but a community that supports Kiwi households with affordable holiday homes, education support, and discounts on everyday expenses. Members get access to everything from cheap movie tickets and staycation deals to craft supplies and exclusive family days out.
So what holiday fun can you access straight away as a brand new member?
1. Cheap movie tickets
Normally from $16 upwards, you can get up to twelve movie tickets at $9 each, valid for any session. This will get you to some pretty fantastic movies. We really shouldn’t suggest that you take your own snacks, so feed the kids up bigtime before you go, make sure they all have a last minute toilet stop, and maybe sneak a water bottle and a wee treat in their backpack.
2. Entertainment Book
Remember that big book full of coupons that was always at home when you needed it? It’s now online and you can get $10 cashback on the membership. This unlocks a world of 2 for 1 attractions such as zoo’s, trampoline parks, mini golf and more.
3. Rainy Day Gaming Fun
When they’ve exhausted all the usual rainy day activities, let them loose on the Online Games Portal. Hundreds of games with something for everyone. Even better, they are ad-free and on a secure site that you can trust so you can catch up on few emails without worries.
4. Staycation
A night at a hotel is always fun and something the kids will definitely remember. It doesn’t have to be expensive too – you can get a 20% discount on the daily rate at Millennium and Copthorne Hotels or 10% off the Best Flexible Rate with the Scenic Hotel Group. You can even grab a discount off your coffee the next morning at The Coffee Club!
5. Get Creative
Unleash the kids’ inner DaVinci with arts and crafts. You can get a discount on all arts and crafts (and most items storewide) from Officemax and more. So get the kids into scrapbooking, or clay modelling. There are also a wide range of DIY craft kits that are perfect for school holidays.
6. Organised Family Events
Bring along the family to exclusive, organised (and heavily subsidised!) family activities. Easter Egg hunts, Ten Pin Bowling, Mini Golf and more for a fraction of the price. Fun for all the family without affecting the bank account.
There is no catch
As a member, you pay just $8 a month (the price of a large coffee) and become part of a community with access to special discounts available at big retailers including JB Hi-Fi, The Coffee Club, Repco, Specsavers, Bunnings and more. Members also access affordable holiday homes in some of New Zealand’s top locations for as little as $37 a night. Your membership fee is quickly recovered through all of the savings you’ll be making.
There are even more savings and support funds on offer with every membership. Take a look through the various benefits you will have access to, as there are a vast amount on offer to help families young and old.
Want to try it out? You can trial a Manchester Unity Membership FREE for 30 days, and find out how it can help ease your family’s entertainment costs these holidays (and possibly even include a lovely, affordable holiday in Queenstown).
THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AT MANCHESTER UNITY FOR WORKING WITH TOTS TO TEENS ON THIS TRIAL. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MANCHESTER UNITY, PLEASE CONTACT RENEE – RENEEC@MANCHESTERUNITY.ORG.NZ
