Buy one, give one for Kiwi families in need
Hi Neighbourly members, we all love a bargain, but buying a gift that really gives back seems like a much better way to kick off the holiday season, don’t you think?
We’re not sure who decided that Black Friday was suddenly a ‘thing’ down in our part of the world, so, as us Kiwis tend to do, we thought we’d put our own spin on it instead. One that is much more focused on community over consumerism, and equally about giving as it is about getting.
Curious?
Kicking off today and running through 'til Monday 2 December, we are doing our annual buy-one-give-one campaign.
That means for every Christmas Gift Box or Christmas Cracker set purchased, we’ll also give one to City Missions and food banks across the country to support families in need. Our aim is to give back to an organisation within the community that each of our customers live in.
The best part? There’s no car park congestion, over-crowded shopping malls or #walmartfights involved. You can shop online from the comfort of your own home, with the knowledge that you’re also doing good for fellow Kiwis in their own community.
You could say that our version of Black Friday is in fact a whole lot more colourful, adding brightness to what might otherwise be a fairly bleak Christmas for many families in New Zealand.
Together, we can make Christmas a bright and tasty time for families in need - and that sounds like a pretty good deal, don’t you think?!
Whether you’re buying for an avid foodie, a wannabe masterchef, a time-poor parent, or a student who needs help to step their signature spag bol up a notch, our Christmas Gift sets are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, are all gluten-free, with no MSG, and all-natural!
You’ll find more information about Raptor Naturals, our Christmas Gift Boxes and our Christmas Crackers on our website - www.raptornaturals.co.nz
Thanks for your support
Rachael and the Raptor Naturals team
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.6% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.4% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
2 x Cooks (Indian Cuisine – Tandoor Cook & Curry Cook)
Location: Milford, Auckland, New Zealand
Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week per position, rostered shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays
Pay Rate: $25 per hour
We are seeking 2 experienced Cooks specialised in Indian cuisine to join our commercial kitchen. Each position is full-time and permanent.
Position 1: Tandoor Cook
Key Duties
• Operate and manage the tandoor oven during preparation and service
• Prepare naan, roti, paratha and other Indian breads
• Prepare and cook tandoori meats, seafood and vegetarian items
• Prepare marinades, spice blends and yoghurt-based mixtures
• Monitor cooking temperatures and timing to ensure quality and food safety compliance
• Maintain consistency in taste, texture and presentation
• Clean and maintain tandoor equipment and work area
• Assist with stock control and ordering of meat and dry goods
• Follow Food Control Plan and Health & Safety procedures (Refresher training will be provided)
Position 2: Curry Cook
Key Duties
• Prepare, season and cook a range of Indian curries, gravies and rice dishes
• Prepare sauces, spice pastes and base gravies from raw ingredients
• Portion and cook meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes
• Carry out daily mise en place and production for service
• Monitor portion control and maintain consistency of flavour and presentation
• Ensure proper storage, stock rotation (FIFO) and minimisation of waste
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety compliance in work area
• Support overall kitchen operations during service
General Requirements for Both Positions
• Minimum 4 years’ recent and relevant experience cooking Indian cuisine in a commercial kitchen (experience must align with the specific role applied for), OR
• NZQF Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Cookery or Commercial Cookery with substantial Indian cuisine experience
• Strong knowledge of traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques
• Ability to work independently and manage a section during busy service
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Reliable and able to work rostered shifts
How to Apply
Please send your CV and specify which position you are applying for to: anokha140@yahoo.com
Applications close: 6th March 2026
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens/residents or eligible to apply for a work visa.
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