Extraordinary outpouring of generosity': Auckland City Mission dishes up 1600 free Christmas lunches
The hungry, the homeless, the elderly and those who just wanted some company descended on the Cloud on Auckland's waterfront today for some delicious festive food at the Auckland City Mission's Christmas lunch. The 1600-plus guests were greeted with a warm "Merry Christmas" from one of the hundreds of volunteers, before finding seats at tables laden with Christmas crackers, juice, tubs of chocolate, takeaway vouchers and cookies.
Christmas carols and UB40 hits entertained the masses until the food arrived - a spread of ham, chicken and roast potatoes with jelly and ice cream for dessert. In the back rooms, Santa's helpers wrapped hundreds of presents while down the road at Spark Arena volunteers had been cooking lunch since 6am - prepping some 300kg of ham, 1600 chicken drumsticks and 300kg of potatoes. The venue was full to capacity and volunteers were trying to squeeze in those who turned up without tickets. As the band struck up a pre-lunch version of "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" the crowd began singing and some began waving their arms in the air. Muriel Kett was one of those who came for the company and the atmosphere - it's her first Christmas without husband Fredrick after he died in July, aged 89. She had expected to spend Christmas alone - but realised it was a great chance to come and visit the Auckland City Mission lunch. "I thought it would be nice to come down here, I'd always wanted to be here so I thought, this is the time."
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Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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32.1% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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67.9% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Te Atatu Food Truck Friday - THIS Friday - March 6th
Te Atatu Food Truck Fridays is back this Friday if you’re looking for something fun to do on a Friday night.
| March 6th | 4:30pm – 8:30pm | Te Atatū South Community Centre
- A stacked mega line up of food trucks including Those Guys J & M burgers, Gyrolicious Greek, Baja Tacos, Natalia’s Food Journey, Akemi’s Gyoza (Japanese dumplings), Cream Ice Cream and Ae Brew (coffee/ matcha).
- Live Music with the captivating Lauren Collins
- Free ReCreators kids’ craft workshops
- Repair Café – bring along small household items for free repairs (koha appreciated).
Come join us for a relaxed, family-friendly night out in the community. Plenty of parking and seating or picnic in the park.
📅 Save the date at www.facebook.com....
Poll: Is Auckland’s economy improving?
The latest reporting from The Post suggests a wave of optimism for 2026. With interest rates finally heading south, businesses are feeling more positive. But for many on the ground, the real-world recovery feels a bit like a slow-moving commute on Auckland's motorways.
We want to know: Are you seeing signs of Auckland's economy improving in your industry or neighbourhood? Whether it's busier shops, new projects kicking off, or just a shift in the mood ...
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16.9% Yes
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66.9% No
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16.3% A little
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