Time off work plus the skyrocketing cost of entertaining kids in the holidays might be creating some financial anxiety in your household.
If you’re looking for ideas, and you’re open to spending $8 a month to open up a world of handy discounts, ridiculously cheap holiday home rentals, and low cost movie tickets, then you might like to look closely at a Manchester Unity membership. At a time where every dollar counts, a collective of clued-up Kiwi parents who are part of Manchester Unity have discovered a smart way of spending so they can make the most of their money these school holidays.
1. Cheap movie tickets
Normally from $16 upwards, you can get twelve $9 movie tickets valid for any session. This will get you to some pretty awesome movies. We really shouldn’t suggest that you take your own snacks, so feed the kids up big-time 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 cash back on the membership. This unlocks a world of 2 for 1 attractions such as zoos, 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. It has hundreds of games, with something for everyone. Even better, they are ad-free and on a secure site, so you can catch up on few emails knowing the kids are safe.
4. Holidays Homes at an astonishing night rate starting around $37
You’ll have to plan ahead for this one, but if you are a Manchester Unity Member, you will have access to a nest of amazing family holiday homes in some of our top spots (Queenstown, Mt Manganui, Nelson and More). They open up twice a year for booking, so make sure you’re a member with your family calendar at the ready. Here’s a review on the Queenstown property if it’s sounding too good to be true.
5. Use your discounts for some holiday fun
- Get Creative – Unleash the kids’ inner Da Vinci with arts and crafts. You can get a 10% discount on all arts and crafts 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.
- Staycation – A night in a hotel is a real treat and something the kids will definitely remember! You can get a 20% discount on the daily rate at Millennium and Copthorne Hotels.
- Special discounts – Discounts to stock up on creative stationery for home craft, top-brand sporting equipment, paint brands like Dulux for DIY holiday projects, or The Coffee Club for a treat.
Why haven’t I heard about this before?
This is actually quite a common question, particularly when you learn Manchester Unity has been around for 150 years. They have been quietly helping Kiwis for all those years, coming together as a community of families to support each other. Over this time, the Organisation has built up a portfolio of holiday homes, and developed connections with big retailers who are keen to support families with special discounts. All members, many of whom have been a part of Manchester Unity for generations, are invited to meet up and discuss ways they can help. As a result, they have introduced fun family days with activities and treats for the kids, raised money for charities and members in need, developed scholarships, and much more.
More about how to join so you get access to all the benefits
As a member, you pay a small amount per year (just $8 per month, or $96 per year) and become part of a community with access to special discounts available at big retailers including JB HiFi, Repco, Dulux and more. There are $9 movie tickets and access to book affordable holiday homes in some of New Zealand’s top locations for as little as $37 a night. With such easy ways to save money, your membership fee is quickly recovered back.
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 lovely holiday in Queenstown next time).
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY MANCHESTER UNITY.