Volunteer Van Drivers and Companion Shoppers Wanted
If you're interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone, and no longer drive, or cannot access other transport, to Botany Town Centre or Pakuranga Plaza for shopping and a cuppa.
"They have the chance to talk, ask questions, walk around, and they actually form friendships," says volunteer Maureen McKechnie.
Drivers are mainly responsible for arranging the times and routes for pick-ups and delivering the passengers safely.
"It's not a huge thing, but for those in need, it's really important and worthwhile."
Companions help clients get into and out of the vehicle and assist with seatbelts. They can also book a walker or scooter for passengers to use at the shopping centres if required.
Mellons Bay resident Nicki Patterson is one of the 22 drivers and companions.
"It's about giving back to the community," says Patterson. "I enjoy it.
"Though the seniors are out for just a couple of hours, it's a big thing for them, rather than having every day exactly the same.
"We tend to lose our identity as we grow older, and get overlooked. But during the trips, passengers are treated as individuals. They are recognised as who they are, and their personalities come out."
Funded by various parties, MECOSS expresses its appreciation for the support from the Howick Local Board.
Speaking of the challenges ahead, McKechnie says: "We must make sure we have drivers available to us, and also having passengers to take."
MECOSS is a not-for-profit organisation providing community support services.
People interested in being a driver and companion volunteer can phone Maureen on 0800 632 677.
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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79.2% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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20.8% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
East Auckland Christmas light displays 2025
East Auckland Christmas Light displays
FINAL UPDATE. 23 December 2025 11:15.
Google map with all of these houses pin pointed: maps.app.goo.gl...
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CONFIRMED CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS 2025:
7 Northpark Ave, Northpark. 8pm to 10pm Mon-Thu, 8pm to 11pm Fri-Sun. Synchronised to music. Website with status/information: northparklights.remotefalcon.com... (my own light show).
6 Kookaburra Place, Botany Downs. 8:30pm to 10:30pm every night. Donations for Bellyful.
5 Ben Lomond Cres, East Gate Church Christmas Light show. 7Pm to 11pm. Christmas walk-through running 18 – 23 December 7pm – 10pm.
18 Redcastle Drive, East Tāmaki. 9:15pm to 11pm. Synchronised to music. FB page: www.facebook.com...
13 Tui Vale Road Shelly Park. 6:30pm to Midnight. Santa visiting 23rd & 24th December.
9 Drysdale Place, Somerville 8.30 to 11pm.
10 Saidia Place, Huntington Park. 8:30pm to 10:00pm.
1 Woodview Rise, Botany. 8:30pm to 11pm.
57 Palmcrest Grove, Highland Park, 7pm & overnight.
1 Palmcrest Grove, Highland Park, 7pm & overnight.
51a Paparoa Road, Cockle Bay, 8pm to 10pm, 8th Dec to 24th Dec.
111 Bradbury Road, Botany Downs. 8:00pm to 10:30pm [Assuming last year's times].
9 Cyclades Place, Shelly Park. 8:00pm to 11:00pm [Assuming last year's times].
98 Angelo Ave, Howick. On all the time.
29 Meadowlands Drive, Somerville. Unknown times.
181 Whitford Road, Shamrock Park. Unknown times.
24 Maghera Drive, East Tāmaki. Unknown times.
18 Keswick Close, Northpark. Unknown times.
** Kilkenny Drive, East Tāmaki. Unknown times.
** John Brooke Crescent, East Tamaki Heights. Unknown number of houses & times.
** Trust Place, Sunnyhills. 8:30pm to midnight. Multiple houses.
** Fern Place Beachlands. 8:00pm to midnight. Multiple houses.
** Paerata Rise, Paerata. Unknown times. Multiple houses.
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NO LIGHTS THIS YEAR (Moved or other reasons):
44 Archmillen Ave, Pakuranga Heights.
9 Harford Place, Pakuranga Heights.
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These were confirmed in 2024, but unknown for 2025:
2 Edingale Court, Flat Bush. 8:30pm to 10:30pm.
56 Sorrel Cresent, Bucklands Beach. 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
6 Rothwell Place, Sunnyhills. 8:00pm to 10:00pm.
4 Greenbrooke Drive, Flatbush. 830pm to 11:00pm.
75 Hutchinsons Road, Bucklands Beach. 9:00pm and overnight.
6A Kentville Place, Somerville. 8:00pm to 12:00am.
27 Amberwood Drive, Northpark. 7:00pm to 12:00am.
136 Kilkenny Drive, East Tamaki Heights. 8:00pm to 12:00am. [Is this included in 2025 for the street?]
86 Sandspit Road, Shelly Park. Unknown times.
81 Tiraumea Drive, Unknown times.
** Headcorn Place, Botany. 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Multiple houses.
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Merry Christmas East Auckland!
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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