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2577 days ago

Will sensory-friendly Santa sessions brighten your family's Christmas?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

For some children with sensory issues, the bright lights, music and general festivities around a visit to Santa in the mall can be too much.

Auckland mum Tash Vruink can't remember the last time she took her 12-year-old son, Jaxon Woolley, to the supermarket or the mall.

But this Christmas, he'll have the option to enjoy a Santa snap with his two younger siblings thanks to sensory-friendly photo sessions.

In December, three of Auckland's Westfield Shopping Centres will open early with dimmed lights and soft music to cater to children with sensory disorders wanting to see the big man in red. To find out more about the sessions, click here.

What are your thoughts on these sensory-friendly Santa sessions? Do you know any children who would love to see Santa at a session like this? Let us know your thoughts with us in the replies below!
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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3 days ago

CHRISTMAS MARKET GIFTS TOMORROW

Sam from St Heliers

Come along to Sunhill garden center market tomorrow Sunday 14th December where you will find The RESTYLIST Ltd and WAI -O-TAIKI FURNITURE REDESIGN selling bespoke pieces for Christmas. We will have Artwork , Home Decor, Unique Christmas Table centerpieces ready for the big day as well as furniture pieces.
If you are looking for a bespoke piece as a special gift .. come and take a look.
See you tomorrow 9am-2pm
317 St Johns Road

1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 42.4% Yes
    42.4% Complete
  • 31.6% Maybe?
    31.6% Complete
  • 26% No
    26% Complete
408 votes
4 hours 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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